Audit Reveals Major Losses in Uncollected Toll Revenue

According to a recent audit, drivers from Virginia accounted for over $234 million in unpaid tolls and penalties over a five-year span. This significant loss occurred despite measures that could have been taken to recover the funds.

Motorists approaching the tollbooths near the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore are a common sight. However, the Maryland Transportation Authority, which manages the state’s toll roads and bridges, faced a substantial financial shortfall. The audit revealed that the agency failed to collect over $800 million owed in tolls and penalties from drivers across various states.

The audit highlighted that as of January, unpaid tolls and penalties from out-of-state drivers reached $818.1 million. This figure underscores the challenges in enforcing toll payments for drivers who are not residents of Maryland.