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When the "new" version of the Pennsylvania General Assembly gets up and running, based on the results of the Nov. 3 general election, among its top priorities should be to end Pennsylvania's reputation as a laughingstock over failure to impose what should be the toughest-in-the-nation stand against turnpike scofflaws.
Yes, this state has implemented crackdowns in the past, but in the big picture the Keystone State has been too nice to individuals who have deprived the commonwealth of hundreds of millions of dollars.
What is in fact an inadequately constructed financial dike for collecting unpaid tolls needs to be "reconstructed" with the kinds of penalties that will make potential scofflaw motorists think twice before victimizing this state.
Unless that "reconstruction" takes place, Pennsylvania will continue to be the unfortunate laughingstock that it deservedly has become, thanks to a legislature that continually takes too long to adequately address important issues.
It's to be hoped that the new legislative session that is on the horizon will quickly and efficiently correct that failure of the past and present.
Regarding that corrective action in regard to turnpike tolls, it might need to involve some cooperation from other states. However, even if that cooperation isn't forthcoming, the "new" General Assembly must implement determination to get the needed toll road-related task finished and in effect, avoiding loss of more hundreds of millions of dollars.
Anyone who read the CapitolWire article "Lawmakers want more penalties for turnpike scofflaws" in the Mirror's Aug. 31 edition probably was amazed -- indeed, troubled -- over the fact that, based on a report from the state auditor general, the Pennsylvania Turnpike lost $229 million in unpaid tolls in the 12-month period ending May 2025.
It's mind-boggling to think what the figure for the 12-month period ending May 2026 will be.
"Drivers who failed to respond when billed for traveling on the turnpike accounted for the largest share of that lost revenue -- about $171 million of it," the Aug. 31 article said. "The remainder was linked to problems identifying the driver due to problems reading the license plate of the vehicle."
Which brings up another issue: Pennsylvania and other states should make it illegal to display a license plate on which the letters and/or numbers are obliterated.
Here in Pennsylvania, some vehicle owners even have ignored special opportunities to obtain a new license plate for their car or truck.
There needs to be an ongoing crackdown involving those vehicles.
Regarding correction of the scofflaw problem, a major solution might be a measure like the one state Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, and Sen. Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, have cosponsored. That measure, according to the Aug. 31 article, would create a "three-tier penalty structure to end serious toll evasion."
The article said the legislation would target those who continue to drive after having their registration suspended over unpaid tolls. The measure would allow prosecutors to charge drivers with criminal trespassing if they get on the turnpike while their registration is suspended for failure to pay previous tolls.
Additionally, the legislation would create new criminal penalties for theft if the driver continues to use the turnpike without paying the tolls in question and establish "serious fare evasion" as a third-degree felony.
Establishing what amount would constitute "serious fare evasion" needs to be a tough stance as well.
Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with many amenities. Its image should not be tarnished by being a laughingstock on any front.