Vol. 555 No. 2
361 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the reason the situation exists whereby motorcyclists cannot travel free across the West-Link bridge, similar to the East-Link; if efforts are being made to redress this imbalance and reduce the fees paid by motorcyclists who need primary roads, particularly in winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18220/02]
The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads such as the M50, to make toll by-laws, and to enter into toll agreements with private investors is vested in the National Roads Authority under Part V of the Roads Act, 1993, as amended by the Planning and Development Act, 2000.
Tolling charges on the M50 West-Link bridge are covered by the relevant tolling agreement between the NRA and National Toll Roads plc and the associated toll scheme and by-laws.
Any proposals to change the level of toll charges at the West-Link would require a revised toll scheme and associated by-laws, and I have no responsibility in this regard. There are no proposals to otherwise exempt motorcyclists from paying tolls.
