Illinois Tollway Travel advisory Chicago Illinois

On July 19, 2014. I was driving to Michigan, following the route on my GPS, which took me through the Illinois Tollway and then to the Indiana Tollway. I specifically stopped at each tollbooth in the cash lane that was manned by tollbooth attendant. Approximately a week later, I received a notice in the mail from the Illinois Tollway stating I committed four separate violations in the time span of less than 30 min. . The total amount of violations was $86, $20 for each violation, and $1.50 for each unpaid toll. There was a photo my rear auto plate in this notice. I appealed these violations, according to the tollways appeal process. At that time, I explained in a letter the above to the tollbooth hearing officer, who was in charge of rendering a decision during my appeal.

On September, 2014 , I was informed in writing that I was found to be liable for all four violations.. The evidence was based solely on the photo of my  rear auto  plate. There were four separate  photos  on the tollways webs site, supposedly to represent four separate violations. In this last letter I was informe that failure  to pay these violations by October 14, 2014 would result  in a increase of the fines to $286.  Also,, suspension to my vehicle registration, and the matter could be referred to an outside collection agency .  My only other recourse would be to file an appeal  with the  18th judicial circuit court of Illinois. I contacted the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and was informed that my registration in  Wisconsin  could in fact be suspended.

I'm a retired Milwaukee police officer and it is inconceivable  that I could or would commit for violations within 30  min.  time  span  without my conscious knowledge.  I am well aware  that the tollbooths are  manned with cameras. I would not risk a $1.50 toll free for a $20 violation; " I have to be deaf, dumb and blind." I'm being extorted to pay these violations. My recourse is to share this experience with others, who may use Illinois Tollway. To avoid being suggested this unethical practice, ensure that you obtain a cash receipt; "documentation would be your only protection".