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Emergency Vehicles Charged on Toll Road

January 11, 2007

By Emily Lopez, FOX 4 News

The new Highway 121 toll road is a major artery through the Metroplex, long-awaited and welcomed by many.

"I'm on it every day," said Lewisville resident Ramone Rivera. "Sometimes more than once."

Ordinary citizens are already being charged for using the road. Highway 121 has no toll booths; instead, scanners automatically charge a vehicle's toll tag, or scan the license plate so a bill can be sent to the owners.

But law enforcement agencies, firefighters and even ambulances are getting scanned, and the cities they work for are getting the bill. Several first responder agencies are so upset by the charges, they've gone to the Texas Transportation Commission with their concerns.

The commission plans to vote on a resolution at the end of the month exempting emergency vehicles, but only in certain situations.

"We know there are some law enforcement officers and some emergency vehicle operators that are unhappy with that," said TxDOT's Mark Ball. "But if they are on an emergency call, they will get to ride for free. Those who are just passing from one side to the other will have to pay –- as do TxDOT employees."

TxDOT says it has to generate revenue to maintain the roads. Others believe first responder vehicles should be exempt at all times.

 

CorridorWatch.org
Comments:

TxDOT should revisit their primary mission, safety.

Encouraging law enforcement, fire service professionals and emergency medical responders to use Highway 121 increases the availability of those emergency services and enhances motorist safety.

TxDOT should also be reminded that the other half of their mission is effective and efficient movement of people and goods. Revenue generation is nowhere in their mission, and if it were we would expect safety; and, effective and efficient transportation to come first.

The slope isn't as slippery as some might lead you to believe. This is not a new issue except that toll collectors appear exceedingly greedy.

If the vehicle in question is owned and used exclusively by the federal, state, county, or city government, school district, or fire department they don't pay an annual registration fee like everyone else. And yes, Texas collects state fuel tax, but state and local government vehicle are exempt from paying federal fuel tax. That includes city and county bookmobiles too.

Charging public services (local government) to use public infrastructure is just moving peas around on the plate.

Bottom line it's simple, if they have exempt license plates they shouldn't pay a toll tax.
07.01.08 Whether black-and-whites should pay tolls is a gray issue

07.01.25 Emergency vehicles must pay tolls except during pursuits and emergencies ...

 

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This Page Last Updated: Thursday January 25, 2007

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