Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2019
571. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of journeys not awarded the correct discount regarding electronic vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, respectively, on each of the road tolls since the introduction of the scheme; the way in which he plans to remedy the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5575/19]
View answerThe Electric Vehicle (EV) Toll Incentive Scheme was developed through the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce as part of a wider suite of incentives aimed at supporting the national transition towards lower emitting vehicles. The reduced tolling regime was introduced to encourage private car commuters who regularly use tolled roads to consider switching to EVs. It is estimated that there are approximately 400,000 heavy toll users in Ireland and so reduced tolls act as a meaningful incentive for a large number of vehicle owners.
The Scheme was launched in July 2018 and is administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland on behalf of my Department. Since its introduction the Scheme has proven very successful with over 52% of all EVs in the national fleet registered to avail of the incentive. Based on the significant increase in EV sales in 2019 I expect this percentage to rise further.
I understand that to date neither Transport Infrastructure Ireland nor the individual Toll Service Providers, who operate the Scheme, have received any information or complaints from customers regarding the inaccurate application of tolling discounts. My Department is also not in receipt of any such complaints. If the Deputy would like to provide further information to my Department or directly to TII, the matter will be investigated further as a matter of urgency.
