Cashless toll gantry on Thruway can scan E-ZPass tags
and license plates
(Thruway Authority photo)
ALBANY – A Toll Payer Protection Act has passed in the state legislature and is headed to the governor for his consideration.
The amended plan, advanced by Senator David Carlucci (D, Nanuet) and
Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti (D, Greenburgh) modifies the current form
of cashless tolling, particularly on the Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge over
the Hudson at Tappan Zee.
The legislation will require that drivers receive their bills by mail
within 30 days and that tolling authorities set up a website where they
can pay toll bills online. Consumers will also be able to sign up for
text or email alerts when they receive a toll fee.
Presently, some motorists have had their vehicle registration suspended because of outstanding toll bills. The new plan prohibits registration suspensions for unpaid tolls and requires drivers be notified in advance if they face a suspension.
Consumers will also have the right to dispute fees and can setup a payment plan for outstanding bills.
The governor, the son of the former governor for whom the new TZ Bridge is named, has until December 31 to sign or veto the legislation. If he signs it, it would take effect within 120 days. That means if Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs the bill on the last day of this year, it would not take effect until almost a year from now.
