New bill targets repeat turnpike toll evaders
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A group of lawmakers thinks too many people are avoiding turnpike tolls. Photo: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
The bell could soon toll for toll evaders.
Why it matters: Pennsylvania turnpikes are losing out on hundreds of millions in revenue due to unpaid tolls, and law-abiding motorists are paying more and more to drive the state's toll roads.
Driving the news: Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair) will introduce a bill to create harsher penalties for toll evasion, according to a memo released last week.
Context: The Turnpike Commission runs 565 miles of toll roads, including the main turnpike (I-76), the Mon-Fayette Expressway (PA-43), PA-66 in Westmoreland County, sections of PA-576 and I-376 in western Allegheny County and Beaver County, and I-476 in Eastern Pennsylvania.
By the numbers: There are more than $200 million in unpaid turnpike tolls, according to the memo.
- Over 90% of tolls are collected.
What they're saying: Kim Ward says she wants to crack down on "egregious" repeat offenders to ensure taxpayers aren't on the hook for unpaid tolls.
- "The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a critical part of our Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure system, and the revenue generated through the automation of toll services is one way to maintain it," she said.
Zoom in: The bill would create a criminal trespassing offense for drivers who use the turnpike while under active suspension for unpaid tolls.
- Anyone who deliberately accrues more than $10,000 in unpaid tolls could be subject to a fare evasion offense punishable up to a third-degree felony.
Between the lines: Judy Ward said toll evasion shifts costs to law-abiding motorists, who are paying higher and higher fees as tolls continue to increase.
- Tolls increased this year by 4% and have increased for 18 straight years, in accordance with the Turnpike Commission's financial plan.
- The most common toll for passenger vehicles using E-ZPass increased from $1.86 to $1.94 and from $3.72 to $3.88 for Toll by Plate customers.
What's next: The memo says the legislation will be introduced into the General Assembly soon.