Following last week's arrest of a West Deptford woman who had racked up more than $5,000 in unpaid tolls and fees from her trips across the Delaware Memorial Bridge, an official with the Delaware River and Bay Authority stated lost revenue due to toll dodgers equals just about 1 percent of the bridge's total revenue.

According to DRBA spokesman Jim Salmon, the Delaware Memorial Bridge loses about $970,000 per year in unpaid tolls, or 1 percent of its $97 million annual revenue. He said that while toll evaders aren't a significant financial problem, they are nevertheless enthusiastically pursued by the authority.

"The issue comes down to fairness," said Salmon. "Those tolls go directly to the upkeep of the infrastructure of the bridge, and it's not fair to those who pay for that upkeep.

"Basically, I view it as stealing a service."

According to Salmon, Mary Shiveler, 39, was arrested last Saturday after DRBA police received a notification from the authority's automated license plate reader, which flags vehicles with past toll evasion.

In addition to those license plate readers, the DRBA employs a series of security cameras throughout the toll plaza. However, Salmon declined to discuss much of the security measure taken by the DRBA.

"Our police officers cooperate with other officers in the area," he said.

Penalties for toll dodgers can range from fines and restitution for first-time offenders to six months of jail time for those who habitually fail to comply.

"We also have the ability to impound the evader's vehicle," said Salmon.

Toll loss statistics for the four bridges under the purview of the Delaware River Port Authority were unavailable Friday.

According to Salmon, Shiveler had been one of the DRBA's top toll violators.

"She was a significant one," he said. "But still, we treat the issue the same for everyone who goes through without paying.

"The message of all of this is that if you evade the toll, you will get caught. Eventually, you will get caught."

---

Jason Laday may be reached at jladay@southjerseymedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonLaday. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.