PORTSMOUTH, Va. — More toll relief is coming for Hampton Roads commuters, as Virginia leaders announced Wednesday morning that the Virginia Department of Transportation and Elizabeth River Crossings plans to erase $36 million in toll debt dating back to 2014.
Letters and emails will soon be sent by those impacted — that is, anyone with toll debts or fines between 2014 and the end of 2023 for the Downtown and Midtown tunnels, Virginia House Leader Don Scott and State Senator L. Louise Lucas (both D-Portsmouth) said in a press conference.
About 25,000 drivers will be impacted at two of the region's most-used tunnels, the leaders said.
The measure brings much-needed relief to residents like Vanita Flowers, a Portsmouth driver who said she’s been struggling with toll-related debt for years.
“I’m praying that I’ll be covered with some of the money because it will clear my bills,” Flowers said. “Like $11,000 or something like that.” Flowers, who has been dealing with a knee injury, said the financial break could also help with accessibility needs.
“You’d get your decals like you’re supposed to. It would help out a lot of people," Flowers said.
The $36 million is part of a total $101 million leaders secured in the state budget for toll relief.
When announcing the erased toll debt, leaders encouraged drivers to take advantage of the existing toll relief initiative. Hampton Roads residents with an annual salary of $65,000 or less are eligible for a 50 percent discount on the tunnel tolls for up to 14 trips per week. For Norfolk and Portsmouth residents making $50,000 or less annually, the tunnel tolls are free for up to 14 trips per week.
"If you can take this issue off the table, if you can take this expense out of your household, it allows you to free up to take care of your family, buy groceries, get gas, and do other things that you need to do," Scott said. "Please take advantage of this program."
For eligibility and application information on the toll relief program, click here.
The forgiveness goes into effect Wednesday, and eligible drivers will be notified in the coming days.
For Flowers and others, the change offers a fresh start.
“This is a good thing,” Flowers said. “It will go a long way.”
