The eTag automated toll collection system will begin mailing as many as 200,000 fines to motorists who owe tolls from next week. Some drivers have complained about unfairness because the fines will be NT$300, regardless if one owes NT$1, NT$1,000 or more. The eTag system for toll payments began late last year. Following a six-month promotion period, from the start of July it began fining motorists who fail to pay tolls. Tickets will be sent for the first time next Wednesday. Violators will be liable for a NT$300 fine, regardless of how much money they owe.Liu Feng-liangNational Freeway BureauThere are many people who owe just NT$1. They probably forget to attach their eTag, and after seeing that they owed such a small amount, ignored it.The National Freeway Bureau said that motorists who pay owed tolls before notices are mailed next week can escape the NT$300 fine. Those who don’t pay within six weeks may see their wages or assets garnished. An alliance opposed to eTag voiced displeasure over these strong-arm tactics.Sun WeiNo eTag AllianceThe National Freeway Bureau wants to punish motorists, but it’s willing to be lenient when it comes to Far Eastern Toll Collection’s NT$500 million fine. If the (government doesn’t collect this fine) then it’s treating motorists unfairly.In response, the bureau said it has sued Far Eastern over its fines, which resulted from the company’s failure to meet targets for construction and usage rates.
