New law in effect strengthening PA Turnpike toll-collection efforts
The Pennsylvania Turnpike’s “Toll by Plate” electronic method is designed to make life easier for drivers, turnpike workers, and the Commonwealth as a whole. But millions of dollars in uncollected tolls caused lawmakers to take action.
Drivers are supposed to get an invoice in the mail after they pass through a toll area, and a camera takes a picture of their license plate. But Turnpike officials said people aren’t paying up, so now, they’re cracking down.
“We need people to step up and take care of their back payments,” said Rep. Anita Kulik (D), who co-sponsored the bill.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission now has more authority to crack down on thousands of drivers who don’t pay: repeat offenders, specifically those who owe $250 or more, which is a lower amount than the previous $500 threshold, or those who owe at least four tolls – previously set at six.
“I actually think that is good because we all should pay our bills,” said Lori Brown, who drives on the Turnpike a few times a year.
A recent Target 11 investigation found the Turnpike was not properly matching license plates to E-Z pass accounts, resulting in $10 V-toll penalties for some drivers, but Turnpike officials told Channel 11 they’ve updated their technology and encouraged customers to call to adjust their bill.
In a press release, Turnpike officials said while most drivers do the right thing and pay on time, this new law allows the state to hold those accountable who intentionally cheat the system.
“We understand that if you drive on certain roadways, you know there’s a toll on those roads, and the only way to maintain them right now is through the toll packages,” Kulik said.
The Turnpike estimates that 25,000 additional vehicle registrations would qualify for suspension due to unpaid toll invoices, which are also turned into a collection agency after 60 days. Lawmakers in support of the bill believe that this is a step in the right direction to continuing to maintain the Turnpike and keep people safe.
“That is seriously one of the most dangerous roadways to be driving on in Pennsylvania. We all know it. When you hit Laurel Highlands when you hit the mountains…we want it to be safe,” Kulik said.
The commission plans to start notifying drivers this month.
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