Pennsylvania lawmakers are cracking down on Turnpike toll evaders, considering harsher penalties for frequent offenders, writes Mike D’Onofrio and Ryan Deto for AXIOS Philadelphia.
The state has lost over $200 million in uncollected tolls, resulting in higher costs for those who pay their toll bills.
State troopers and the PA Turnpike Commission are launching a campaign this month to identify reckless drivers and individuals with unpaid tolls and fees. License plate recognition technology will be used to aid in determining violators.
Pennsylvania senators have proposed the creation of a third-degree felony offense for drivers with unpaid fees of more than $10,000.
Philadelphia is the county with the highest number of toll evaders, with 34,112 drivers and nearly $38 million in unpaid tolls.
Bucks County ranks second in the state with $19.8 million in unpaid tolls and 15,056 toll violators, while Montgomery County places third with 14,121 violators and $16.3 million in tolls.
The fourth county on the list is Lehigh, with $7.2 million in tolls and 6,122 violators.
According to the agency, the highest unpaid toll tab was $116,115.30, linked to a Montgomery County vehicle.
Read more about the new legislation proposing harsher penalties for Turnpike toll evaders in Pennsylvania in AXIOS Philadelphia.
_______
