Turnpike Authority Changes Tune After Christmas Eve Blizzard

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- After hundreds of motorists were charged after failing to pay turnpike tolls during the Christmas Eve blizzard, turnpike officials said they learned from that experience and are planning on doing things a bit differently this time around.

For some the only option was taking a Turnpike during the Christmas Eve blizzard, but not everyone could pay. Some machines were covered with ice, while others were blocked by cars. Still, the more than 1,200 motorists who didn't or couldn't pay were given a fine.

"That's our only source of revenue and at no time was the turnpike free, even in the state of emergency," said Jack Damrill, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

The Turnpike Authority had little sympathy for those who braved the snow, but the public backlash was as harsh as the weather itself. On News9.com, one viewer wrote, "Government is supposed to work for us. Not against us."

It didn't take long for the OTA to have a change of heart. Fines were reduced and this time around, their tone has also changed.

"We learned a lot from that storm," Damrill said.

Rather than issuing an automatic violation, Damrill said if a similar situation happens this week, the Authority will meet after the storm to discuss how to handle the tolls and those who couldn't pay. Once a decision is made, they will inform the public.

"We are going to make a public decision very quickly. It will not take long this time to make a decision. They will hear from the OTA on what they need to do," Damrill said.

Despite this change, the Turnpike Authority is still encouraging drivers to contact them next week if they find themselves on a turnpike and are unable to pay.