Motorway usage costs more on fuel, more on time and now more on Tolls. This significant increase in running costs can now be verified resulting from a double test run undertaken last Friday (30.12.05) by transport magazine, Fleet Management, in conjunction with Freightshift Nationwide, the Limerick-based transport and distribution company.

Using identical trucks (MAN 18.280 4x2 Rigid) with similar loads (6 tonnes) on board, two round trips from Kilbeggan, County Westmeath to Dundalk, County Louth were driven - one using the new M4, M50 and M1 Motorways with the other HGV taking the N52 National route.

At the end of the trial runs, the National route was shorter (120 kms), faster (by 27 minutes), more fuel efficient (by 21 litres) plus the added financial benefit of no Toll charges, as per the Motorways.  Adding the Toll fees €13.60 x 2 plus the extra diesel used (21.1 litres @ €1.09.8 =  €23.17) equates to €50.37, not to mention the 27 minutes saved on the round trip (see chart for full details).

"These findings contradict the argument put up by the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority (N.R.A.) that the Motorway networks are more efficient all round, especially for the haulage operators," stated Sean Murtagh, Director, Freightshift Nationwide. "The trial run undertaken in real time by myself and Fleet Management Editor, Jarlath Sweeney on Friday last clearly shows that using the N52 National route for the journey from Kilbeggan to Dundalk was the best cost effective option in terms of fuel usage, time involved and of course, Toll free.  On the basis of this exercise a transport company using this particular Motorway route three times per week (operating up to five trucks), would incur an additional cost of over €40,000 (incl. VAT), plus the extra labour costs," highlighted Sean.

"Hauliers running artics now face higher Toll charges with the €6 rate increased to €6.20 on the new M4.  This is a further negative move by the Toll operators, Eurolink, in enticing trucks to use the new Kilcock-Enfield-Kinnegad Motorway. Unless the Toll charges are reduced, transport operators will continue to use our National roads, which on some stretches are suitable for HGVs," he added.

Sean continues, "Road Tolling is still in its infancy in Ireland.  To date Road Tolls represents poor value for money. Tolls in their present form are a stealth tax on motoring and transport in general and are obviously a lucrative business for Toll operators and ultimately, the Government."

On the 335 kms round trip, Jarlath Sweeney, Editor, Fleet Management noted that there were no service facilities for motorists to stop-off for refreshments or take a rest break from Kinnegad to Dundalk -  when using the new M4, M50 and M1. "This lack of basic facilities for drivers (and their passengers) is a serious safety hazard," according to Jarlath. "In this day and age, motorists deserve this basic right. These facilities are available on Motorways in every other European country, why not Ireland?  Especially on our newly built motorway networks. Having to pay extra to use these roads, the least N.R.A. could do is allow Service Stations set-up along these routes."

"In contrast to the Motorways, the same journey on the N52 had at least six Service Stations that are accessible to HGVs, two of which we availed of on our trial run," he added.