Speedy Justice

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Speeding on the Kansas Turnpike could result in higher tolls in the future.

Sen. David Haley (D-Kansas City) proposed a bill to the Senate that would give turnpike officials the authority to charge drivers based on their average speed. Haley wrote the bill after Gov. Kathleen Sebelius proposed a plan to raise turnpike fees during the next seven years to help fund repairs at state universities.

“I’m opposed, completely opposed, to any further increase in turnpike tolls,” Haley said. “Before the Kansas Turnpike Authority raises tolls on all of us who drive on the turnpike, I would hope this bill would allow raising tolls on only some of us.”

The system would record the time and location drivers entered and exited the turnpike. If drivers went from one point to another in a time span that would be impossible while driving the speed limit, they would be charged extra money.

The bill does not specify or suggest how much tolls would increase for those who speed, but Haley said he thought drivers should only be charged 15 or 20 cents more for every five miles per hour above 70.

Haley said that critics of the bill have pointed out that drivers could just stop off at one of the gas stations or restaurants on the turnpike and wait until their average speed dropped to legal limits.

“People speed to get from one point to another as fast as possible,” Haley said. “This would not take the place of law enforcement.”

pullquote

I’ve heard pros and cons on it. It’s a novel idea, an innovation.

-Sen. David Haley (D-Kansas City)

Dana Maher, Omaha senior, said that he didn’t like the idea, but it was better than the alternative.

“Honestly, I’d rather see it done for speeders than everyone,” Maher said.

Tommy Towle, Topeka sophomore, didn’t agree.

“I think it’s unrealistic,” Towle said. “Just having a standard cost would make things run smoother.”

Haley said that opinions of the bill in the Senate were split down the middle.

“I’ve heard pros and cons on it,” Haley said. “It’s a novel idea, an innovation.”

Kansan staff writer Joe Hunt can be contacted at jhunt@kansan.com.

— Edited by Katie Sullivan

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