Really Toll Roads, really?

I read this in the paper today and my response was " really toll roads, you're really going to charge the fire fighters money for saving your toll roads?" " REALLY?"

Toll road to fire fighters: Pay toll or pay fine
Los Angeles County fire engine told to pay up for using the 133 toll road during recent fires.
By ELLYN PAK
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Comments 21| Recommend 26

When Engine Company No. 116 received a $100 fine from a toll road agency, firefighters figured it was just a misunderstanding.

Capt. Bob Viers of the Los Angeles County Fire Department was tasked to sort it out with the Transportation Corridor Agencies. An L.A. engine had traversed the 133 Freeway without paying last month on an assumption that emergency vehicles are exempt from paying such tolls.

"You know this is a fire truck," Viers told a tollroad representative. "I can't believe you're fining us for it or even chasing it."

The engine company, based in Carson, fought the Mt. Palomar Fire in San Diego for nearly a week. Viers said the truck that used the 133 was either on the way down to the fires or attending a fireman's funeral.

But the toll road agency didn't back down. The firefighters would have to pay.

The TCA assesses a $47.50 processing fee on top of the toll amount due if notices are ignored. A subsequent violation notice tacks on an additional $47.50 fine.

Viers talked to a manager, who said the firefighters had to pay $20 instead of $100.

"I still thought that was ridiculous," Viers said.

Ultimately, Viers had the fine knocked down to $5 and charged it to his credit card.

"I just thought that was kind of strange," he said. "For me the easier way to get rid of the hassle was to pay the guy."