Quinnipiac: Tolls OK With Connecticut Voters If Taxes Drop

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – The majority of Connecticut voters would accept tolls on the state’s highways, but only if the money collected went toward fixing roads or lowering taxes.

The Connecticut General Assembly is considering bringing tolls back to the state's highways.
Photo Credit: *Nancy Chapman, File*

by Greg Canuel

03/13/2013 2:00 a.m.

Quinnipiac University’s Polling Institute asked voters questions about state and local issues last week. Of those that responded, 58 percent said they oppose the idea of bringing tolls back to Connecticut’s highways and only 39 percent said they support the idea.

The Connecticut General Assembly’s Transportation Committee is working on legislation that would allow tolls to be collected at the state’s borders on highways. The bill specifies that the state would also lower its gasoline tax using the money collected.

Many voters changed their answer if given specific plans for the money collected, the survey results said. About 57 percent said they would support tolls if the money went toward rebuilding roads and bridges, compared with 40 percent who would still be opposed. Another 53 percent said yes to tolls if it meant a lower gasoline tax.

Tell us what you think about the idea in the comments below and by voting in our own poll.

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