Requires NJTA and SJTA to extend payment period for violations of electronic toll collection monitoring system, commonly known as E-ZPass, during COVID-19 public health emergency and state of emergency.
If enacted, this bill will significantly modify how toll violations are managed during a declared state of emergency. It aims to prevent the accumulation of excessive administrative fees that residents without an E-ZPass account may face, particularly as they have limited options to pay tolls during the pandemic. This initiative is seen as a protective measure for residents who might struggle to meet financial obligations due to ongoing economic disruptions attributed to the public health emergency.
Assembly Bill A2071 seeks to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on toll payments for violations of the electronic toll collection monitoring system, commonly known as E-ZPass. The bill mandates that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) extend the payment period for these violations from the current 30 days to 90 days during the public health emergency. This measure is particularly important as it allows vehicle owners more time to settle their dues without incurring additional administrative fees during a challenging period when cashless tolling has been implemented to reduce face-to-face interactions.
Notable points of contention surrounding Assembly Bill A2071 include concerns regarding the fairness of imposing administrative fees during a time when many citizens are experiencing economic hardships. While the bill aims to ease financial burdens, critics may argue that allowing increased payment periods could result in financial strain on transportation authorities that rely on timely payments for toll revenue. Additionally, the bill clearly states that it does not allow for an increase in the administrative fees currently established, which helps to mitigate some concerns but leaves room for debate on how long-term operational impacts on the authorities will be managed after the emergency period.