Suozzi Opposes Tolls on the LIE

-- Appoints ‘Traffic Solutions Working Group’ to Recommend
Fixes to Region’s Worsening Traffic Woes

Mineola, N.Y. – Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today said he does not support tolls on the Long Island Expressway.

“I oppose tolls on the Long Island Expressway,” Suozzi said. “I recognize that the LIE is, for many of us, a lifeline that connects us with families, friends, work and recreation both on Long Island and into New York City. Nassau County residents, along with everyone else, are already hurting from soaring gasoline prices. Now is not the time to add to that burden.”

In response to a question at a Regional Plan Association conference earlier this month, Suozzi said action is needed to relieve crushing traffic congestion on the LIE and other area roadways. He noted that some other cities have adopted concepts like “congestion mitigation pricing” under which motorists are charged for traveling at peak times of day, thereby encouraging people to use mass transit and reducing traffic congestion at rush hours.

Although he never endorsed a specific plan, Suozzi’s comments set off a sharp debate about the traffic problem. He resolved today to redouble his efforts to explore solutions to the area’s traffic woes. During the last two weeks, Suozzi has heard from hundreds of constituents and experts concerning ways to attack the region’s worsening traffic problems. As a result, Suozzi has asked a panel of experts, including motorists, to come up with real recommendations. The ‘Traffic Solutions Working Group’ will report back to the County Executive with specific recommendations.

Some transportation experts recommend charging trucks and other commercial vehicles fees for traveling on major roadways at peak times and also advocate allowing motorists to pay to use specially designated lanes. The funds collected from such fees can then be used to pay for sorely needed improvements in the region’s network of highways, bridges and mass transit system, these experts say.

“The only thing everyone seems to agree upon is that traffic is bad and getting worse,” Suozzi said. “Instead of just complaining about it, I’m determined to try and do something about it.”    

The ‘Traffic Solutions Working Group’ members appointed by Suozzi include: Larry Austin, Chairman of the Long Island Association's Transportation Committee; Sam Schwartz, a former first deputy transportation commissioner who writes the 'Gridlock Sam' column for the New York Daily News; Jeff Zupan, Senior Fellow for Transportation at the Regional Plan Association; Michael Horodniceanu, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Urbitran, and former NYC Traffic Commissioner; Alan King, Manager of Transportation Engineering at Cameron Engineering; Jon Orcutt and Kate Slevin of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign; Patricia Bourne, Nassau County Planning Director; and Nassau County’s Director of Environmental Coordination Tom Maher.

“I am not afraid to take on controversial issues if that’s what I have to do to solve problems. That’s my job,” Suozzi said. “The cost of ignoring our traffic problems, sitting back and just watching while they continue to get worse, is simply too great. But any solution must also recognize the tremendous burden area motorists already incur in the way of escalating gas prices, existing tolls and high auto insurance rates. We do not support adding to those burdens by placing tolls on the LIE.”