DUBLIN, Ireland: Fifteen people who avoided paying tolls on the M50 motorway, including car, truck, and van owners, were fined a total of 265,000 euros after they did not show up in court.

The court heard that one driver had more than 600 unpaid trips on the motorway. Even though the drivers had received numerous warning letters, they still did not attend their hearings, so the cases proceeded without them.

One person who owed about 14,000 euros did come to court, but the judge warned him that he could face a perjury charge, which could lead to up to seven years in prison.

Earlier, the judge said most people ignore these cases and act as if others should pay their tolls for them.

Seven of the drivers were given the maximum fine of 25,000 euros each. The others who did not attend were fined between 4,000 euros and 15,000 euros, plus 350 euros in costs, and must pay within three months.

One car owner had not paid for 637 trips and had the most unpaid tolls. Three business vehicle owners were also among those fined the maximum amount, including one with 390 unpaid trips.

Drivers who had paid at least some of their tolls received lower fines.

The court heard details of each vehicle's trips, including dates and times, along with photos of them passing the toll point.

The usual toll for a car is 3.80 euros if paid by 8 pm the next day. If not, extra charges are added, which increase over time. If still unpaid, warning letters are sent, and the case can go to court. Vehicle owners are responsible for paying, and commercial vehicles have higher tolls.

Some other cases were delayed to give drivers a chance to settle their tolls, and one case was dropped because the tolls had already been paid.

The man who was warned about possible perjury has a separate case, which has been postponed until September.