Speaker Don Scott and Senator Louise Lucas Announce Historic Toll Debt Relief for Thousands of Hampton Roads Residents
Speaker Don Scott and Senator Louise Lucas Announce Historic Toll Debt Relief for Thousands of Hampton Roads Residents
PORTSMOUTH, VA – Today, House Speaker Don Scott and Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas announced the successful implementation of a major toll relief initiative, clearing tens of millions of dollars in toll debt and fees for thousands of residents in the Hampton Roads region.
Thanks to language passed in Democrats’ 2025 state budget (Chapter 725, Item 441), the Commonwealth will pay $36.1 million to Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) through the Eligible Drivers Toll Relief Fund to clear outstanding toll violations and related fees that occurred between 2014 and December 31, 2023. The debt forgiveness process has now been completed, and ERC has begun notifying affected individuals and removing DMV registration holds tied to unpaid tolls. This action is expected to benefit an estimated 25,000 residents across Portsmouth and Norfolk.
“Toll relief, fee relief – real relief,” said Speaker Don Scott. “For years, working families have been trapped in a cycle of debt from toll violations and compounding fees. That ends today. We’re cutting costs, from tuition to tolls, and putting money back in people’s pockets. This is what real relief looks like.”
“From day one, I’ve fought to get these tolls under control,” said Senator L. Louise Lucas. “Wiping away this toll debt is a historic win for Portsmouth, for Norfolk, and for working-class Virginians who’ve carried this burden for far too long. We said we’d fix it – and we did.”
This historic action is part of a broader $101 million toll relief initiative passed by the General Assembly. In addition to clearing old toll debt, the program continues to provide discounted toll rates for low-income residents across the region:
Residents of Portsmouth and Norfolk earning $50,000 or less per year are eligible for a 100% discount on up to 14 trips per week.
Residents of surrounding localities earning $65,000 or less can receive a 50% discount.
Applicants must have a Virginia E-ZPass, drive a passenger vehicle, and provide proof of residency and income.
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