IRISH LORRIES travelling across Europe will be subjected to higher tolls from 2011 because of a decision of the European Parliament yesterday to support commission plans to increase tolls to control pollution and congestion.

More from The Irish Times.

Thats a fupping disgrace ,I sat down with an MEP years ago to see if we could get a subsidy or tax break for Irish Truck drivers logistical companies ,because it costs more to get stuff delivered /imported to Ireland.

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The trifling economy of paper, as a cheaper medium, or its convenience for transmission, weighs nothing in opposition to the advantages of the precious metals... it is liable to be abused, has been, is, and forever will be abused, in every country in which it is permitted." --Thomas Jefferson to John W. Eppes, 1813.

Is this aimed specificaly at Irish hauliers or is it aimed at all hauliers in the EU?

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The enemy of my enemy is the enemy of my enemy.

Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action.

There are lies, damn lies and debatable points. "I'm not shouting, I'm making an assertive point." M. Martin

was at meeting in work today and and one of our buyers told us that its cheaper to get our material from sinagpore rather than our normal place in clara co offaly due to transport costs go figure

It shows how excessive European integration can harm individual member states. Let's vote no to Lisbon and so keep our vetoes on more laws that embody such tendencies. The reality is that such legislation also needs to pass the Council of Ministers under the status-quo, so it's crucial we retain what vetoes we have there. It's odd to see politicians that support further integration complaining about its consequences. Can they not join the dots?

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Hauliers here are very much at the edge of the cliff these days (those still in business for now) methinks ... this will help no end in pushing 'em over the cliff

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"I will submit that the economic and political crises that face this country will never be dealt with unless the culture and values of the political and administrative classes undergo profound change" (Emily O'Reilly, Ombudsman/Info Commissioner)

and

Note that: (a) this only permits member states to charge - it does not mandate it; (b) it estimates road costs would only rise by 3% if member states do decide to charge; and (c) you can get around the charges by using cleaner lorries - or, god forbid, rail.

It may well still banjax the Irish hauliers, though.

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Never let the best be the enemy of the good.

It would banjax a bit more than the hauliers. We have higher base costs in haulage than most European companies. We don't have the rail infrastructure that Europe has and there would be a disconnect between the mainland and here anyway, if we did have good rail. The ferry points. The switch from land to sea and back adds freight costs.

Maybe we should make a rail tunnel to mainland Europe via Britain.

I'm a bit suprised that Elsbeth type engines haven't been used in more trucks, they're cleaner than standard diesels and more efficient, with a wider range of fuel oils usable.

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The enemy of my enemy is the enemy of my enemy.

Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action.

There are lies, damn lies and debatable points. "I'm not shouting, I'm making an assertive point." M. Martin

Hmm - containerisation would seem to be a possible solution, surely? Plus we have an OK rail network when it comes to delivering to the major population centres.

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Never let the best be the enemy of the good.

And isnt this crazy when Foreign lorries can pass through 1 infamous toll here for free!