More all-electronic tolling for NH?
New Hampshire’s latest 10-year transportation plan — which was recently signed by Gov. Sununu — includes the installation of all-electronic turnpike tolls in Bedford, Dover, and Rochester. All-electronic tolls deduct from pre-paid transponders or take a picture of each license plate and then send drivers a bill. The proposal also includes an option for drivers to buy anonymous transponders.
“Should NH replace human-operated toll booths with all-electronic tolling, similar to the system in Massachusetts?”
Discussion held on Citizens Count website and Facebook page June 16, 2018
No: 128 citizens were opposed to replacing human-operated toll booths with electronic tolls.
- “The toll takers offer people visiting NH a smile, a thank you and often much-needed directions that a machine will never offer. Keep the toll takers and keep NH unique from the rest of the, "we only care about money" cookie cutter states.”
- “People should have the right to pay in CASH."
- “Why should someone that doesn't use toll roads often have to buy a ezpass?"
Yes: 37 citizens were in favor of replacing human-operated toll booths with electronic tolls.
- “Automation is the future, you’re better off accepting that now.”
- “It eliminates idling in line and carbon emissions.”
- “The workers are slow and their job is not needed. I’d like to know how much money the state pays these people.”
Other: 34 citizens addressed their comments to related questions and issues.
These included:
- Eliminate tolls altogether: “Shouldn’t have tolls period!”
- Have both options available: “I prefer the hybrid system we have in Hampton and Hooksett.”
- Consider the cost: “Depends. Will it lower toll costs or raise them?”
*Editor selection of actual participant quotes.
