Question to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Dr Leo Varadkar, TD)
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are penalties imposed on operators of toll roads where the tolling equipment does not function properly; the quality controls and service level reviews that are undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer.
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if statistics are maintained for failures of road tolling equipment to read electronic toll tags; if such figures are available, if he will publish same broken down by toll bridge and direction of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer
For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 8th October, 2013.
REPLY:
I propose to answer question 630 and 631 together. As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.