Tuesday, December 19, 2006

$70 million video enforcement system is part of toll road overhead costs

TxDOT ready to catch toll violators

December 19, 2006

By RUDY KOSKI
KVUE News
Copyright 2006

Austin toll roads will start charging drivers on January 6, and a $70 million video enforcement system is now in place, ready to catch people trying to slip through toll booths without paying.

Video cameras will send images of violators' license plates to a computer system to be processed. People who run tolls will be sent violation notices.

"Get a tag, get a tag or pay through the cash lanes, because we will be able to tell violators when they come through," said Rutina Bush, Texas Department of Transportation Service Center.

On average, about 100,000 vehicles travel on local tollways each day. It's estimated that 10 percent of drivers will run the toll booths.

That's a misdemeanor charge with a fine up to $250.

© 2006 KVUE: www.kvue.com

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