Hi Everyone,

I have some news for you about the M50 toll road near Dublin. Starting August 30, 2008 toll booths will not operate. They are being torn down and that will add to the construction and congestion on the road. The destruction of the toll booths will mean no traffic-back ups to pay a toll. But a new electronic system is replacing the old one.

Those using the M50 will still have to pay a toll. Instead an electronic system will be in place. Regular commuters will register and get an electronic tag. Others can set up an account so that when their car license plate is read by the cameras their account is charged. Then there is the Pay As You Go option. This is a quote from the www.eflow.ie website:

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For unregistered customers, your vehicle number plate is recorded each time you pass the toll point.

You must pay for the journey before 8pm the following day.

Payment is easy - you can pay online here or use our call centre (LoCall 1890 50 10 50) or through Payzone branded outlets nationwide.

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I have emailed eflow about what tourists visiting Ireland need to do. This is what they sent me:

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For tourists renting from a rental company please check with the rental company to see what measures they have
in force to pay for the tolls. It will be the responsibility of the rental car company to pay for the tolls.

The onus is also on foreign motorists arriving in any country to be aware of bye-laws and rules of the road.
Motoring organisations, car hire companies and tourist bodies here and abroad are additional issuers of
information.

For all motorists using the M50, whether registered or unregistered, national or foreign, the non payment of tolls
is a criminal offence under the legislation. The NRA have therefore established a rigorous enforcement policy
implemented through a trans European enforcement agency to assist in the the recovery of unpaid toll charges
and fines and the prosecution of all toll evaders of Irish or foreign registered vehicles.

If you require any further information please contact eFlow on the numbers shown below where an agent will be
pleased to assist you.

Kind regards,

eFlow Customer Services
______________________________________________________________________
P.O. Box 11302,
Dublin 17

Lo-Call (from Ireland): 1890 50 10 50
From UK / NI : 0845 30 15 405
International phone number: +800 50105011
Fax (from Ireland): 01 4430555
Fax (from outside Ireland): +353 1 4430555
website: http://www.eflow.ie 

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I expect there will be a lot of confusion as the system is in its infancy. In fact there is a Q&A article in the Irish Times. 

Evidently you can also pay at various shops and newsagents around Ireland: http://www.payzone.ie/outlets/

I plan on being the forum "guinea pig" shortly. I will let you know how using the M50 works out for me and exactly what the car rental companies say. It should be an interesting transition. 

Michele