Weighbridge to tackle HGVs dodging M6 toll

A cunning plan to ensure that heavy goods vehicles use the toll plaza on the Galway to Ballinasloe motorway has been put in place – because of the large volume of vehicles veering off onto the old road to avoid paying the hefty charges.

As a result the Road Safety Authority plans to provide a weighbridge on the old N6 national primary route between Loughrea and Ballinasloe to inspect the lorries and other heavy vehicles who use this route to avoid paying the toll charges.

Lorry drivers travelling from Galway to Dublin regularly slip off the M6 motorway at Loughrea and then take the old road. They then rejoin the motorway at Ballinasloe having avoided the toll plaza at Cappataggle in the process.

Locals in Aughrim held a public meeting this week at which there was strong opposition to the provision of a weighbridge close to the village as this could have the effect of reducing traffic in the area and affecting business in the process.

When the weighbridge is provided, it will allow Road Safety Authority officials to stop vehicles and determine if they are carrying goods which exceed the permissible weight. The facility can also be used by the Gardaí and customs officials.

But the plan has not gone down well with some local residents and businesses who feel that it will take traffic away from the village and affect business. They also do not relish the possibility of an increased presence of Gardaí and customs officials in the area.

However, at the public meeting, it was stated that this was just a devious way to stop heavy goods vehicles using the old road and thereby avoiding paying the toll on the motorway – the charge is €6.10 for a four-axle lorry.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.