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Virginia
Gov. Kaine Calls for Repeal of Virginia's Abusive-Driver Fees; Funds Were Earmarked for Transportation Program
''Part of serving people is showing that we truly listen to them,'' stressed Democratic Governor Timothy Kaine in his State of the State speech, pointing out that the compromise 2007 transportation plan, approved after years of inaction, increased rail funding statewide by over 60 percent and public transit funding by more than 40 percent, expanded funds for state and local road construction, and ''made significant advances in land use planning along the way,'' but its abusive-driver fees are not working and should be cancelled during this legislative session.
''The imposition of higher fees on drivers who commit serious traffic offenses was designed to both increase transportation revenue and encourage safer driving habits,'' the governor said. ''After six months, neither goal has come to pass.''
Enacted by the Republican-controlled General Assembly in February, and initially backed by the governor, the press reported last year, the fees became effective in July and were to raise $65 million a year for road and rail projects, with convicted Virginia offenders paying up to $3,000 over three years for reckless or drunken driving, and those with eight minus points having to pay a $100 surcharge and $75 for each point.
''Virginia citizens in huge numbers have told us that the fees should be repealed. We should listen to them,'' the governor told lawmakers. ''We must continue to look for strategies to promote safety on the road. And, the maintenance needs of our road system have to be addressed. But, the abuser fee idea has flunked with our voters and we should acknowledge it and move on.'' -- Office of the Governor of Virginia 1/9/2008
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