The court battle between truckers and PennDOT intensified on April 2. The group representing truckers and other motorists asked a federal judge to stop payments from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to PennDOT.
They want the court to reach a decision on claims that turnpike tolls are unconstitutionally excessive, writes Peter Hall for Transport Topics.
The organization sued PennDOT in March, claiming that the commission collects more than double its requirements to operate the 550-mile highway system.
As the toll has little relationship to the use of the turnpike or its benefits, the group says this violates the U.S. Constitution’s protection of the right to travel, along with state laws on interstate commerce.
Last fiscal year, toll revenue for the turnpike was more than $1.1 billion, over double its operating expenses of $517 million.
“The excess money is being spent on things that provide no benefit to you as turnpike users,” said attorney Paul D. Cullen Sr., whose firm represents the truckers and other motorists.
In addition to PennDOT, Governor Tom Wolf is also named as a defendant in the suit.
Read more about the issue at Transport Topics here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of PennDOT here.
