Changes to M50 Toll Plaza
From August 30th 2008 motorists heading south will notice major changes on the M50 motorway, Dublin. The WestLink toll plaza is being removed and replaced with an electronic barrier-free tolling system that will allow drivers to pass through the toll point at normal driving speed, avoiding queues.
The toll plaza will be replaced by a gantry which has a line of overhead cameras and detectors which will automatically record your electronic tag or vehicle number plate. A computer based system linked to the National Vehicle and Driver File then provides the owner details for any vehicles who don't have electronic tags or who haven't a pre-registered payment account. Instead of the cash payment facility a number of new options are available to drivers.
Key Points of the Toll Scheme
• Frequent users can register for an electronic tag. The electronic tag is a small electronic device, about the size of a mobile phone, which is fixed to the inside of the front windscreen of the vehicle. Drivers can register online at www.eflow.ie
• Or drivers can set up a vehicle number plate based payment account, which will be debited for each journey you make. If you choose a pre-paid account, the charges are automatically deducted from your account each time you use the toll road. If you opt for a post-pay account, you are charged at the end of each month. Video registration with eFlow works for the M50 only. There is no monthly account management fee for video registration.
• For people who choose not to have electronic tag accounts or number plate based accounts, the registration number of the vehicle will be recorded when they make a journey along the tolled section of the M50. They can make payment in advance of the journey, on the day of the journey or up to 8.00pm on the day after the journey by any of the following means:
o On-line over the internet;
o Through the 24 hour telephone contact centre being set up by the NRA;
o Through a bill pay system in approx. 2,000 shops and garages.
Some types of vehicle and road users are exempt and do not have to pay tolls on the barrier-free M50. These include:
1. Motorcycles
2. Specially adapted vehicles for disabled persons
The new changes which come into effect immediately will mean Northern registered drivers travelling along the M50 will no longer be able to use the cash payment facility. Instead they must choose one of the new methods outlined above. For detailed information on the new changes visit www.eflow.ie or alternatively contact LoCall (from Ireland): 1890 50 10 50 and from the UK / NI: 0845 30 15 405