Author Revisits Issue To Eliminate Road Tolls

To the Editor:
Toll proponents may not realize that drivers on toll roads are heavily penalized because the gasoline tax is not used for toll roads and excess toll revenue is used for other state operations. It is with that thought in mind that “Citizens Against Tolls in New Jersey” is now on Facebook. Interestingly, a Massachusetts group called “Citizens Against Road Tolls” is also on Facebook. With 26 states having toll roads, a national movement against tolls may yet occur. The suggestion that toll roads can be avoided by using alternative toll-free roads may be true in Camden where a driver can use I-295 instead of the Turnpike or in Edison where I-287 can be taken instead of the Parkway. But in Cape May County, there is no good alternative to the Parkway. So what will it take to eliminate road tolls in New Jersey? Our current governor Chris Christie may be in the best position to do so since he has established a reputation as a cost cutter. However, he has not yet come to the plate on this issue. And without public support, it may not happen.
To put this issue into perspective, former governor Jon Corzine proposed an 800 percent toll increase in 2008 as a way to solve New Jersey’s huge financial crisis. But public outcry against his plan led to it being abandoned and replaced with a mere 43 percent increase in tolls. Now public complacency over tolls appears to have returned. Public officials are undoubtedly aware of the increase boundaries. With an 800 percent increase arousing public anger but a 43 percent increase being viewed as acceptable, it is not surprising that a 50 percent toll increase is planned for next year. A 50 percent increase every several years may yet result in Corzine’s original 800 percent toll increase plan. What is needed is public awareness of the negative impact tolls have on the economy so that politicians will take notice.
BOB AHLERS
Lakewood