Toll Booth Violations Prove Costly

Posted Dec 28, 2006 by Vidisha Priyanka

Updated Dec 28, 2006 at 03:05 PM

Cars line up at the toll plaza near New Port Richey on the Suncoast Parkway. - Crystal L. Lauderdale/Tampa Tribune

By JULIE PACE
The Tampa Tribune

Video: Toll Booth Violations | Crosstown Toll Hike Hits Drivers on New Year’s Day | Behind The Wheel

TAMPA - It starts with one driver blowing through a 50 cent toll in Pasco County, then another skipping out on a 75 cent toll in Tampa.

Those seemingly small amounts of money start to add up. In 2006, toll booth violations on Florida’s turnpike system cost the state $20 to $25 million in lost revenue.

That shortfall is double what the state lost on violations two years ago. Officials say more electronic monitoring of tollbooths is making it easier for people to slide through without paying.

“It gives toll evaders more excuse to not pay the toll,” said Joanne Hurley, community relations coordinator for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise.

The turnpike encompasses 460 miles of roadway, including the Veteran’s Expressway, Suncoast Parkway and Polk Parkway.

In South Florida, the Florida Highway Patrol has stepped up enforcement on toll roads to cut back on offenders.

Sgt. Jorge Delahoz, who oversees the “Toll Abuse, No Excuse” program, said having extra troopers on the roads has made a difference since the program started this fall.

The program could make its way to the Tampa Bay area, Delahoz said. Until then, FHP relies on videotape surveillance and law enforcement agents who happen to be in the area.

“It’s just random,” Delahoz said. “If they see it, they enforce it.”

Despite the enormity of the lost revenue, Hurley said most drivers do pay their tolls. Some people who don’t pay do so by accident, she said.

Motorists who don’t pay a toll on a Florida Turnpike road can call 888-865-5352 to arrange a payment. Violators who don’t pay could be subjected to a $100 fine.

Reporter Julie Pace can be reached at (813) 259-7567 or jpace@tampatrib.com.