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Politics

Bill to crack down on toll lane abuse passes state House

SECONDARY PHOTO - January 27, 2017 Henry and Clayton County: The Express Lanes toll sign just north of Hwy 20 un McDonough, Georgia showed no charge as the new I-75 South Metro Express Lanes had their first rush hour test Monday morning, Jan. 30, 2017. The lanes opened Saturday. The two toll lanes are reversible - they’ll carry northbound traffic into Atlanta in the morning and southbound traffic out of town in the afternoon. Only motorists with a Peach Pass can use them, though they’ll be free for those with a pass for the first two weeks. “We have not had any issues and the lanes have been operating smoothly, without any incidents as of this time,” Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jill Goldberg said late Sunday afternoon. Goldberg said the department would not have any statistics on how many people used the lanes for a week or so. JOHN SPINK /JSPINK@AJC.COM

Credit: John Spink

Credit: John Spink

SECONDARY PHOTO - January 27, 2017 Henry and Clayton County: The Express Lanes toll sign just north of Hwy 20 un McDonough, Georgia showed no charge as the new I-75 South Metro Express Lanes had their first rush hour test Monday morning, Jan. 30, 2017. The lanes opened Saturday. The two toll lanes are reversible - they’ll carry northbound traffic into Atlanta in the morning and southbound traffic out of town in the afternoon. Only motorists with a Peach Pass can use them, though they’ll be free for those with a pass for the first two weeks. “We have not had any issues and the lanes have been operating smoothly, without any incidents as of this time,” Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jill Goldberg said late Sunday afternoon. Goldberg said the department would not have any statistics on how many people used the lanes for a week or so. JOHN SPINK /JSPINK@AJC.COM
By
Feb 22, 2017

Drivers who use toll lanes or benefit from a Peach Pass without providing payment could face increased consequences under a bill that the state House passed Wednesday.

House Bill 150, recommended for passage by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, would place holds on motor vehicle registration for drivers who fail to pay tolls and would allow the Department of Revenue to withhold tax refunds for violators to set off debt owed.

State Rep. Jason Ridley, R-Chatsworth, who sponsored the bill, said it provides "another tool in toolbox for authorities to use when people don't pay fines."

The bill, which passed on a vote of 143-21, will now move to the state Senate.

About the Author

Michelle Baruchman covers the Georgia House of Representatives and statewide issues. She is a politics news and enterprise reporter covering statewide political stories.

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