Surf boards and toll tags?

Leonard Hofstadter

Sorry, I know it's such a weird question:D.

If it's in the wrong forum, feel free to move it:o.

In the next week I will have reason to put surf boards on my car, and drive up the east coast, which will involve using a tolled motorway.

For those of you not familiar with surf boards, when they are on a roof rack, they protrude forward quite a good bit beyond the top of the windscreen - more like as far out as where the bottom of the windscreen is.

What I'm wondering is will they "block out" my toll tag (because the tag is fitted near the rear view mirror, where it is supposed to be i.e. at the top of the windscreen), resulting in me having to pay up at the tolling booth, as if a toll tag is not fitted to my car. Or should I stop being paranoid?

Next, but related question, will I be ok for the barrier free tolling for the M50, or should I ring them in advance, and do whatever you're meant to do if you don't have a toll tag for the M50?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for this rather unusual question.

Stheno

captainspeed wrote: »

What I'm wondering is will they "block out" my toll tag (because the tag is fitted near the rear view mirror, where it is supposed to be i.e. at the top of the windscreen), resulting in me having to pay up at the tolling booth, as if a toll tag is not fitted to my car. Or should I stop being paranoid?

Why not put the surfboard on the roof and see exactly what it blocks? It's possible the tag will be read anyway.

Next, but related question, will I be ok for the barrier free tolling for the M50, or should I ring them in advance, and do whatever you're meant to do if you don't have a toll tag for the M50?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for this rather unusual question.

You should be fine on the M50 the tag on the bf's car fell off a few weeks ago, but they picked up his plate on video and just charged the account.

OldmanMondeo

I travel with a kayak on the roof, as long as you put the boards one side of the car you should be fine.

gofaster_s13

My toll tag reads when its in the glove box

-maccer-

I have an easy trip toll tag and have driven through both tolls on the way from dublin to galway and also went through the limerick tunnel with surfboards on the roof. Tried the express lane every time but it didn't read the tag any of the times. I just had to go to the booth each time but you can just slide the tag out of the holder and hand it to the attendant and they will type it in.

My surfboards were to the side but still overhung the tag. I guess with a different tag it could be fine or smarter positioning of the tag. I have never had any issues with the tag when I don't have boards on the roof.

corktina

put the surfboards over the number plates and dont pay at all.... joking...only joking...

Leonard Hofstadter

-maccer- wrote: »

I have an easy trip toll tag and have driven through both tolls on the way from dublin to galway and also went through the limerick tunnel with surfboards on the roof. Tried the express lane every time but it didn't read the tag any of the times. I just had to go to the booth each time but you can just slide the tag out of the holder and hand it to the attendant and they will type it in.

My surfboards were to the side but still overhung the tag. I guess with a different tag it could be fine or smarter positioning of the tag. I have never had any issues with the tag when I don't have boards on the roof.

Thanks, I suspected as much unfortunately. I'll have about four or five boards on the car, and I know even one or two boards will go out too far from past experience! If the road is empty I'll chance going up the express lane slowly and make a last minute manoevure if necessary:D!

Will I still be ok for the M50 though?

Thanks in advance.

Stheno

captainspeed wrote: »

Will I still be ok for the M50 though?

Thanks in advance.

If you've a tag account you'll still be fine, the M50 will video your licence plate and charge you, happened like I said to the bf when his fell off

Ring them and double check if you want to be certain

-maccer-

captainspeed wrote: »

Thanks, I suspected as much unfortunately. I'll have about four or five boards on the car, and I know even one or two boards will go out too far from past experience! If the road is empty I'll chance going up the express lane slowly and make a last minute manoevure if necessary:D!

Will I still be ok for the M50 though?

Thanks in advance.

Didn't go through m50 so honestly don't know. As the other poster said I would give tag provider a call and ask them what happens if your tag fails to read on m50. Good luck and enjoy the surf....