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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 12, 2013 02:27 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Eli Evankovich |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Reforming Turnpike Tolling Ability |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation providing enhanced enforcement tools to tolling entities to enable the utilization of advanced technologies for toll collection that will promote operational efficiencies and cost savings for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). My legislation builds upon the foundation of Act 88 of 2011, the Public-Private Transportation Partnerships Act (P3) by (1) allowing the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to utilize the same variety of tolling technology currently authorized by statute to potential P3 partners; and (2) providing a consistent enforcement and delinquent account collections process for all toll entities. Specifically, my legislation would allow the suspension of a vehicle registration by PennDOT upon notification from a tolling entity that the owner or registrant of the vehicle has either (1) failed to pay or defaulted in payment of six (6) or more violations; or (2) incurred unpaid tolls or fees of more than $500.00 With stronger enforcement penalties, such as a registration suspension, the PTC could implement non-stop tolling for those customers without an EZ Pass and more aggressively collect the millions of dollars in currently uncollectible debt. This issue is a matter of basic fairness, and will help us ensure that your constituents who pay their tolls are not being unduly burdened by paying for those motorists who ignore their bill. Pennsylvania lags others in the ability to enforce collections; currently 21 states already have a similar authority. We all witness the rising costs to travel on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This bill will give the PTC a level of flexibility to use new technology for toll collections, and streamline operations. As we explore ways to tackle the issue of increased funding for transportation, please join me in supporting this legislation that I believe is a good first step. |