New Jersey Officials Doubling Fines For Toll Cheats
WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Revenue is down on New Jersey's two major toll roads so officials are getting aggressive in a bid to collect unpaid tolls.
Beginning Oct. 17, authorities will double the fine for toll cheats from $25 to $50.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg gets reaction from drivers
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The New Jersey Turnpike Authority intends to suspend registrations, impound vehicles, file lawsuits and have deadbeats arrested for theft of service if they continue to avoid paying their fines.
Reaction to the stricter penalties has been mixed.
"I think people should pay their tolls, obviously I pay my tolls, but I think that's a bit harsh," one driver said told 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg.
"It seems like it's an awful lot for a dollar toll," another driver said.
"It would actually stop people from running through the tolls," one man said.
"Everybody's gotta pay for the tolls, you're using the service. They take care of the roads, they do everything for you – it's only fair," another man said.
Officials say they have lost an estimated $10 million in unpaid tolls.
Revenue on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway has been off by $37 million during the first eight months of the year. The economy and weather are blamed.
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