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Toll roads are public or private roads for which a fee is assessed for usage. Toll roads have been in existence for centuries, with their roots going back as far as the 8th century BC. In fact, toll roads are all over the world. Tolls roads today collect monies to repay debt accumulated for the construction of a particular road and its maintenance. Tolls are prohibited on Federal-aid highways because roads such as the Interstate system were built with federal dollars. In the U.S., states were looking for ways to construct new roads without federal funding. One of the problems is that most toll roads indefinitely and the debt for the construction of the road does not ever seem to be repaid. In Atlanta, toll booths on Georgia 400 (pictured below) were finally removed after then Governor Nathan Deal stepped in to uphold a promise made to the people. The state had planned to extend their stay for an additional 9 years after the initial 20-year period had expired.
Another problem is the potential for toll roads pop up for every time a new road is constructed, especially with the federal deficit being what it is. The amount charged for passage varies depending on the size of the vehicle that is driven without any explanation given. Many consider tolls to be an additional tax. Taxes are collected to build and maintain roads, among other things. Tolls are only tax deductible while traveling for business purposes and if you are self-employed. Another problem is that tolls can be confusing and unexpected, especially if you are a visitor to the area. If you cannot pay, you could receive an even more expensive penalty. Typical toll fees vary based on location so there is no set amount of cash to keep on hand. Though the E-ZPass system, the largest ETC (electronic toll collection) system in the U.S., eliminated the need to stop and pay a toll in some instances, many still consider tolls inconvenient. Drivers are being advised to disregard a phishing scam, coming in the form of texts or emails that warn of consequences for toll evasion... Click Here.
Failing to pay tolls can lead to fines, suspension of vehicle registration, and your car being impounded.