Erie County Clerk
Press Releases

09/25/07

THRUWAY AUTHORITY SHOULD NOT PUNISH MOTORISTS WHO DRIVE LESS TO CONSERVE GAS

Status of Williamsville and Lackawanna Relocations Questioned

Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul today criticized the NYS Thruway Authority for delaying plans to relocate the Williamsville and Lackawanna Toll Barriers while proposing dramatic increases in toll rates.

"Drivers who cannot afford to drive due to the exorbitant increases in gas prices should not be forced to pay more on the Thruway. People attempting to conserve gas and save money by driving less would be penalized by higher tolls. That's just not fair," said Hochul.

Hochul, who as Clerk oversees the Auto Bureaus which license drivers, says her constituents should not be hit again. "The NYSTA can divest itself of non-Thruway related investments such as the Erie Barge Canal system. "I've never understood why local commuters have to subsidize an operation for pleasure boats along the Canal. It's a great treasure, but it should not be funded on the backs of Erie County drivers," said Hochul.

"As long as the Williamsville and Lackawanna Barriers continue to collect tolls within the commuting range of Buffalo, any toll increase will disproportionately impact Erie County. That's not something I can stand for, and will continue to work toward an eventual toll-free ride to work in this County," said Hochul.