LEEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) will began mailing invoices for backlogged transactions to drivers with toll violations at the La. 1 Bridge at Leeville starting next week. DOTD is required by law to pursue toll violations.
Many of these backlogged violations occurred between 2009 and 2011, but notices were not processed because of computer issues. Approximately 75,000 total violations generated more than 27,000 invoices that are set to be mailed out in increments next week.
During the 2013 regular session, the Louisiana Legislature amended a previous law and decreased the number of violation notices required to notify toll violators from four to two. Per Act 206, drivers will now receive the initial violation invoice followed by a reminder invoice in 30 days, if they fail to pay within that time frame.
“We realize that it took some time, but we are obligated by a number of laws to complete the process with due diligence,” said Assistant DOTD Secretary Rhett Desselle. “We have worked with our staff, consultant and contractor to review and invoice the backlogged images and mail out the violations.”
DOTD is now mandated to notify customers of violations per an initial invoice instructing customers to either pay the toll and administrative fees detailed on the invoice, or appeal the violation within 30 days after the issuance of the violation notice. After the initial 30 day period, DOTD is required to send a second notification reminding customers that their toll violation is still outstanding. Any customer who fails to respond within 60 days after the issuance of the violation notice will have their information turned over to the Office of the Attorney General for collection and will not be allowed to renew their driver’s license or the registration of their vehicle until the matter is resolved.
The bridge opened to tolled traffic in July 2009. Since then, the tracking of tolls and toll violations has been in effect. DOTD has an obligation to the Louisiana Transportation Authority and bond holders to pursue all tolls and toll violations on the La. 1 Bridge. Standard operating procedures have been updated to prevent these types of events from occurring in the future. All debited tolls comply with legislation and have documentation to support toll violations. Drivers wishing to dispute a violation may contact GeauxPass Customer Service at 866-662-8987 or email customerservice@geauxpass.com.