A Ewing Township man was caught on surveillance video covering up his license plates to avoid paying the Scudder Fallls Bridge toll.
What would have been a $3 invoice from a TOLL-BY-PLATE mailing, turned into $229.10 in fines and other assessments. If he had paid by E-ZPass, the toll would have been $1.25.
Video shows Ronnie Melendez, 36, of Ewing Township getting out of his car on the bridge’s Pennsylvania-bound shoulder and putting a piece of cloth over his front and rear license plates. He’s then shown getting back into his vehicle and proceeds to drive over the bridge.
Security personnel were able to identify his license plate numbers before he covered them up. Police were then notified, who tracked Melendez down. He pleaded guilty in court and agreed to pay the fines.
In an unrelated toll-evasion case, The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has now collected more than $123,000 in unpaid tolls and fees from 20 trucking firms.
“As these recent toll-scofflaw matters attest, we intend to use every tool at our disposal to enforce compliance at out toll-collection points along the Delaware River,” said Joe Resta, the DRJTBC’s executive director. “We are committed to ensuring everyone pays the tolls that are due because honest toll-paying customers shouldn’t be subsidizing the few who think they can cheat the system.”
