(Photo: WBOC)STEVENSVILLE, Md.- The Maryland Transportation Authority says that in 2012 more than 100,000 drivers passed through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge's tolls without paying. And more than 30 percent of those toll violators failed to pay up after receiving notices in the mail.
Officials said that overall, the state has lost nearly $7 million in unpaid toll revenues since 2008 This has prompted new legislation to impose harsher penalties- including stiffer fines- on those who skip the tolls.
"There should definitely be a fine because if we have to pay tolls they should too," said B.J. Tomardy of Stevensville. "There is no excuse for them not to pay tolls. I definitely think they should be fined."
MdTA officials said tougher penalties will give them a better ability to go after toll violators.
The bill under consideration would allow the state to hit drivers with a $50 citation or possibly have their registration suspended if the bill is not paid.
Tomardy said if that fails to work, make the fine more.
"Maybe start off with a $50 fine and if they still don't, push it up to a $100 fine," Tomardy said.
But not everyone is on board with the proposal.
"I don't think it's necessary because most people do pay their tolls," said Linda Mathias of Stevensville. "I would rather it be the way it is, sometimes people get in that lane for E-Z Pass and they get confused."
