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FARMINGTON, Utah (AP) -- The Utah Taxpayer's Association will lobby state lawmakers to make Davis County's planned Legacy Highway a high-tech toll road.
"Our goal is to have congestion pricing implemented on all new state highways," said Mike Jerman, association vice president.
The association is working on legislation for congestion pricing because it would ultimately cost state taxpayers less than a sales tax hike, he said.
Congestion pricing systems outfit cars with transponders that communicate with highway sensors. Those sensor charge the toll to a driver's credit card, with rates changing with the time of day and traffic volume. Weekend travelers would not pay tolls.
"Thats to encourage commuters to change driving habits," Jerman said.
Congestion pricing programs are increasing in popularity nationwide, he said.
Utah's Utah Department of Transportation is proceeding with the highway without the notion of tolls, however.
"On Legacy Highway, we have the funding in place, and until directed otherwise, were going to pursue it as a traditional freeway facility," said Nile Easton, spokesman for UDOT.
UDOT would shift gears if the Legislature votes for tolls on Legacy, Easton said.
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Information from: Standard-Examiner, http://www.standard.net
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
