Double Toll Plan Axed; Non-Revenue EZ Tags Canceled
POSTED: Tuesday, July 10, 2007
UPDATED: 2:45 pm CDT July 10,
2007
HOUSTON -- Harris County commissioners officially rescinded its plan to double tolls on the Westpark Tollway and canceled all non-revenue EZ Tags, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.
Commissioners voted in June to double tolls on the Westpark Tollway from 6 to 9 a.m. inbound and 4 to 7 p.m. outbound to relieve congestion.
The plan was scrapped after angry motorists sent in e-mails and made phone calls. Officials said construction along the Katy Freeway was also a factor in their decision.
A systemwide 25-cent increase on all toll roads was approved. The new rates will begin on Sept. 3.
Commissioners also decided to cancel thousands of non-revenue EZ Tags on county vehicles.
"For us, the non-revenue tag program is over," said Art Storey with the Harris County Toll Road Authority.
Records obtained by KPRC Local 2 Investigates showed that the non-revenue tags racked up $1.3 million in charges over a 13-month period.
Employees who use the toll road for work-related purposes will have to sign at a tollbooth to use the road free of charge.
Officials said they are working on a plan for marked emergency and military vehicles.
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