MOTORISTS OPTING to pay for barrier-free tolling on the M50 by way of electronic tags will have a choice of nine different tags, each representing a different price structure, it has emerged.
In a system similar to the pricing of mobile phone usage, tariffs reflect both pay-as-you-go and monthly options, with some tags requiring an initial account deposit of up to €15, while a number require the motorist to buy the tag, for up to €33.50.
Minimum top-up amounts are as high as €40, depending on tag. Lost or stolen tags cost up to €33.50 depending on provider.
From today the National Roads Authority will operate its own tag under the eFlow brand, and will engage in a public information process. Barrier-free tolling is due to come into force in August.
The other operators include Eazy Pass; Eirtag; Mini-Tag; Pass Direct; eTrip in association with the Dublin Port Tunnel; eTrip; ParkMagic (Pay-as-you-go) and ParkMagic (pay monthly).
From August, car drivers with an electronic tag will continue to pay €2. Motorists without a tag, who pre-register a vehicle and provide card details, will face a fee of €2.50. Drivers who do not pre-register will have to pay €3 per trip.
If they do not pay, a €3 surcharge will be applied and they will have 10 working days to pay.
Some tags are offered for lease while a number of providers also require a payment of about €2.50 for post and packaging.
Eight of the nine tags, the exception being the prepaid pay-as-you-go option, impose a minimum monthly account charge of at least €1. Options include the ability to settle accounts by credit or debit card while a number of providers offer free online statements. Hard copy statements incur fees of about €2 in some cases.
