New M50 app ensures drivers won’t forget to pay their toll

28 Nov 2014

Motorway tolls are bad enough but the tension when you receive a bill or a summons for non-payment can take a toll on your nerves. All is about to change thanks to a new M50 app.

The M50 App, the creation of app developer Colin Hayes, works on both Android and iOS devices.

Drivers who use the app will receive an instant notification on their phone when passing under the toll cameras on the Irish motorway, which will prompt them to pay the toll.

The toll can be then paid directly in the app or if not, a second alert will be sent an hour before the toll price increases.

“Since the introduction of the eFlow toll system in 2008, more than 37,000 people have had proceedings against them, and so far in 2014 the biggest fine paid by an individual was €8,000,” Hayes said.

The app is easy to use and motorists don’t need to be looking for Spar shops to process a payment, going online or ringing call centres.

“The number of cars seized for non-payment of M50 toll fees in the first half of this year is more than four times the numbers taken last year,” Hayes added.

“During the first six months of this year, a judgement was approved for the sheriff to seize 17 vehicles, a significant increase from four in the 12 months previous.

“Including VAT, the National Roads Authority (NRA) collected €4m in penalties for not paying the toll on the barrier-free motorway.” Hayes added.

M50 Dublin image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com