The interchanges at Hollywood Boulevard and Griffin Road off the Florida Turnpike in Hollywood will convert to electronic tolls by the end of August, as will all other tolls south of Interstate 595.
This means that cars will no longer need to stop at toll booths, thus eliminating the congestion that now occurs as drivers try to change lanes between cash and using Florida’s SunPass system.
This is being used as one way to convert Florida drivers to that system, as those who do not have a SunPass will be billed for the tolls plus an additional service charge of $2.50 as their license plates will be photographed.
It also part of the plan of the County to revamp the Interstate 95 exits so as to reduce crashes, improve the flow of traffic, and prevent the congestion of cars entering the highway from on-ramps.
According to the executive director of the Turnpike, Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, the primary issue with the Toll By Plate system is that there is a potential for out-of-state drivers to not pay the bills that come in the mail. However, these losses are typically offset by less traffic congestion, a significant reduction in accidents, and lower labor costs.
The Turnpike may be turning to flyer printing companies to produce material with more information about the removal of the toll booths and what this means for drivers.
