Time running out fast for tollway scofflaws

Illinois Toll Highway Authority officials Thursday said time is running out for motorists with toll violations to take advantage of a program that reduces hefty late fees.

The Spring Cleaning program, which ends June 30, temporarily eliminates a $50 fine that gets tacked onto each unpaid violation. Alleged violators still would have to pay the initial $20 fine and the cost of the missed tolls.

Acting Executive Director Michael King said about 9,000 notices have been reduced since the program's inception in late March.

"We are thankful that some people have taken this opportunity to clean their slate," King said.

The fine reduction affects thousands of motorists tied up with violations that can't even be erased via bankruptcy and cause the suspension of license plates and driver's licenses.

"We advise anybody who wants to participate: Please do not delay," said King, adding that motorists shouldn't wait until the last minute.

Tollway officials estimate that more than 600,000 notices for toll violations have been sent out. Officals say they could not estimate exactly how many of those notices are subject to the fine reductions.

Since the Spring Cleaning started, the tollway has held back on suspensions. More than 130,000 license plates and 10,000 driver's licenses are on the verge of suspension for unpaid toll fines.

For more information about the program, visit illinoistollway.com or call (800) UCI-PASS.