Opinion: Commentary: Putting Brakes on New Tolls
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Opinion: Commentary: Putting Brakes on New Tolls

If you are a commuter in Northern Virginia, you are probably spending a significant amount of money on tolls. With tolls becoming more prevalent, they have become increasingly expensive. Tolls on I-66 have reached as much as $47 for a one-way trip. I believe that is unacceptable.

I have a problem with families having to fork over thousands of dollars a year to drive on roads they already paid for with their tax dollars. Moreover, It is wholly unacceptable when government officials begin to look at tolling roads that our communities use to access their homes.

After hearing constituent concerns about the possible imposition of tolls on Fairfax and Prince William County Parkways, I introduced HB 2527 to prohibit the implementation of tolls on both parkways unless there is majority approval from the Virginia General Assembly. Today, I am happy to report that HB 2527 is now law after being signed by the Governor on March 18.

While this a major victory for commuters and constituents, we must continue to stand strong against the expansion of tolling in Northern Virginia. Our families cannot afford any further tolling, especially when we rely on these roads to access our homes.

As your delegate in Richmond, my position has been and will remain that Northern Virginians are already paying enough tolls. I will continue to work to ensure Northern Virginia gets its fair share of transportation dollars without higher taxes and fees on commuters and families.

I encourage you to learn more about HB 2527 by visiting lis.virginia.gov or by contacting my office directly at 703-815-1201 or DelTHugo@house.virginia.gov. Whether it is on this issue or any other, I always appreciate hearing from you.