Tolling and Private Investment

With the exception of the M50 Upgrade Project which is based on an availability payment mechanism (and which is tolled at West-Link under a separate contractual arrangement), the Authority has procured all PPP road projects as toll roads in accordance with the strategy of using tolling to the maximum extent possible on PPP roads for the purpose of recouping part at least of the substantial private sector investment involved.

The projects concerned are constructed to a high standard - motorway or high quality dual carriageway - and provide road users with an enhanced level of service. The Authority’s policy is that toll charges are set at a level consistent with balancing the objectives of generating significant revenue and attracting the maximum traffic on to the new roads. Actual charges are determined in accordance with the procedures contained in the Roads Act, 1993, as amended, which provides for public consultation on tolling proposals made by the Authority, oral hearings where objections are received and consideration of submissions by the Board of the Authority before determining whether or not the proposals should be adopted.

Under the approach pursued by the Authority, toll roads are constructed as additions to the network of national roads rather than provided by means of improvement of existing roads.