Richard Wieland’s guest column, "Traffic Problems Abound Near 8A" (Your Turn, Suburban, Sept. 13) accurately identifies sources for traffic congestion near N.J. Turnpike Interchange 8A.
However, he does not identify tolls as a major problem source. Tolls cause extra congestion because traffic entering and exiting the interchange is funneled together. Without tolls, we could have a cloverleaf which could only help the traffic flow. And congestion could then be further reduced by adding interchanges to reflect traffic patterns. One can plainly see toll-related congestion at 10, 12 and other interchanges.
Unfortunately, many drivers are so conditioned to paying tolls that they can’t imagine driving without them. Yet toll roads can be maintained just as they are today, but more efficiently, without the high toll collection cost and with the addition of federal highway funds (which toll roads don’t receive). In fact, most states don’t even have tolls.
For those who don’t use toll roads and, therefore, don’t want to pay for their maintenance, let me remind them that drivers who pay tolls also pay gasoline taxes intended to pay for road maintenance. They, therefore, are doubly taxed. Having gasoline taxes pay for all road maintenance is more fair and more efficient.
The only gubernatorial candidate who has had the courage to put drivers ahead of special interest groups by stating that if elected he will remove the tolls from the Garden State Parkway is Bret Schundler. We should not let this opportunity pass us by.
Bob Ahlers
East Brunswick