183-A's toll-tag-only section has more than 30 percent violation rate.
More than 30 percent of people who drive on the 183-A tollway's anomalous toll-tag-only section are doing so illegally, an abnormally high violation rate that has the road's operator pondering alternatives to the confusing setup.
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has asked Vollmer Associates, its traffic and revenue consultant, to analyze what might result from several scenarios, including continuing under the current arrangement. The authority expects to have that information within a few months and could consider making changes in the fall.
In June, the first month when all cars on 183-A were subject to tolls (albeit at a reduced rate for toll tag users), the road averaged 55,850 toll transactions a day. However, more than 11,000 of those times — about 20 percent — the driver did not pay for the privilege, many at the toll-tag-only toll gantries near Lakeline Boulevard.
| Toll point | Daily toll transactions | Violations | Violation % | Tag Use | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeline (northbound)* | 16,246 | 6,216 | 38.3 | 61.7 | |||
| Lakeline (southbound)* | 10,260 | 2,148 | 20.9 | 79.1 | |||
| Brushy Creek (northbound)** | 3,623 | 187 | 5.2 | 76.5 | |||
| Brushy Creek (southbound)** | 2,701 | 151 | 5.6 | 79.7 | |||
| Park Street (both directions)** | 23,016 | 2,515 | 10.9 | 73.2 |
* Toll-tag-only plaza with no cash booths
** Cash booths and toll tag readers
Source: Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, unaudited toll statistics
5 comments:
My wife recently received a toll violation notice for Lakeline Plaza. We had no idea how this could have happened since we stopped at every toll booth and paid the appropriate amount. After talking with several people from that area (we are not) we found out that is one small sign on the right side of the road which would not be noticed unless you were looking for it. This is clearly a situation where CTRMA is creating a situation which punishes unsuspecting visitors by not clearly marking this entrance as a tolltag only entrance and then providing a way to exit before entering the toll road. What a bunch of jerks running this. Paying a toll is one thing but purposely designing entrances where the purpose is to create violations is just plain bad. These folks need some old fashioned Texas justice brought down on them.
I am a business traveler who recently stayed in Austin for a business conference. I just received a notice from the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority in which they claim I owe a toll bill. I remember suddenly finding myself pulling up to a toll booth on Lakeline Plaza Northbound without having any idea i was on a toll road. I paid the toll operator in cash, wasn't given a receipt, and went on my way. So apparently not only is the CTRMA running a scam that preys on unsuspecting travelers but their toll operators are skimming the profits from the toll booths! Did someone say lawsuit?
I just moved out to Leander and pay the toll when I get on at new hope road and 183A, but I had no idea that I had to have a tolltag and was charged an extra $1 for the stretch from lakeline to where it merges with 183 shortly after (1 or 2 exits?). I think this is ridiculous. Why is it set up to charge an extra $1 for those who already paid $1.50 to get on the tollway just 3 exits earlier? Someone needs to reevaluate this sytem.
FIGHT THESE CASES! - I worked in the Court's Team for TxTag in Austin, and I KNOW THEIR SYSTEM AND ITS DEFAULTS.
I will gladly take your case, whether you are in the VIOLATION STAGE or whether TxTag has FILED CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST YOU IN COURT!
I can help you get these fees reduced and some possibly eliminated.
It's hard fighting for yourself against the legal system. DO NOT DO THIS ALONE! Hire an attorney to help you figure out what you actually have to pay and what you can fight.
Call me today to discuss your Toll Road Violation Case.
~ Lindsey Simmons
Attorney at Law
Austin, TX
512-968-1587
(I am willing to start traveling to other areas in Texas with Toll Roads, such as Houston, Laredo, and Tyler, if need be.)
I received one of these toll bills in the mail today and Rick Perry just lost a vote.
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