Tolls on Ireland’s road network have increased from this morning. 

Tolls on the M50 have increased by 30c for cars without tags, bringing the toll paid to €3.50, while cars with tags face a 20c increase to €2.30. 

Cars with video accounts will see an increase from €2.70 to €2.90 on the M50.

On the M1, M7, M8, N6, N25 at Waterford and N18 Limerick Tunnel, tolls for cars will increase from €2 to €2.10 while on the M3, car tolls will rise 10c to €1.60. 

On the M4, there will be an increase of 20c to €3.20. There are no changes to the charge when driving through the Dublin Port Tunnel.

Road signs for the M50 and Dublin Airport are seen in November 2010. Picture by: Radharc Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has warned it is “highly likely” these charges will increase again in January. 

The State agency said an increase in the consumer price index of more than 3% will mean a guaranteed increase in tolls in January. 

The Government planned to increase toll charges earlier this year but was deferred for six months. 

The Government and TII were criticised for the increased charge and accused them of allowing motorists to “take the hit” for inflation. 

“The Exchequer has already taken the hit to compensate the controlling companies. I mean how can that be fair or equitable?” Independent TD Michael Lowry said earlier this week. 

'They don't have other options'

Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín said some drivers will face hundreds of euros in increases overtime.  

“Someone traveling to work from my own county of Meath can pass six tolls in the return journey,” he said. “Many people in such a situation spend up to €2,000 on tolls. 

“They don’t have a rail option as there is no rail line into the county. They don’t have a direct bus option because buses routes are radial in nature.” 

TII Chief Peter Walsh rejected suggestions toll companies are punishing drivers. 

“As you rightly refer, costs are going up,” he said. “They are going up for everybody.