An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared for the M50 Upgrade Scheme identifying the West-Link toll facility as a contributing factor to delays experienced by road users on the M50. The EIS presented the case that a barrier-free tolling system would unlock significant additional benefits for users and the environment than would otherwise have been the case with a conventional plaza tolling. In particular, the EIS identified that the proposals would increase the capacity of the Motorway, enabling road users including buses, taxis, commercial vehicles and private cars to benefit from significantly reduced traffic congestion and increased average traffic speeds both on the M50 and also on the radial routes approaching the M50. The replacement and upgrade of the tolling system was therefore a critical element of the overall M50 Upgrade Scheme.

NRA- The Assess Phase.pdf