Local Rep Introduces Bill to Block Tolls on Route 422

Local State Representatives Mike Vereb and Marcy Toepel unveiled legislation today that prohibits enacting new tolls on existing public roads in Pennsylvania – such as U.S. Route 422 – without a vote from the Pennsylvania Legislature.

The announcement was held at the Route 422 Business Center in Oaks, and local Sen. John Rafferty, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, was also on hand.

House Bill 1780, sponsored by Vereb, requires approval by the Pennsylvania General Assembly before any public road, constructed by using state of federal dollars, could be tolled.

“Our message is simple and it’s that voters should have a say in the tolls they pay,” Vereb said. “Unelected bureaucrats should not be making decisions about whether or not a road will be tolled in Pennsylvania. That’s a decision that should be made by the people through their elected state representatives and senators.”

In 2001, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) announced a plan to toll 422, which would cost travelers $2.65 one-way.  In the plan, four electronic tolling stations were planned between Pottstown and Valley Forge.

“I believe our residents pay enough in taxes to maintain 422, and should not have to pay more in the form of tolls,” Toepel said.