Free Republic

AUSTIN — Toll road critics were turned down in their request for wide-ranging transportation department documents, but a judge gave them more time to narrow their request as part of a lawsuit against the state. Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom, led by San Antonio resident Terri Hall, sued the Texas Department of Transportation in September to fight the department's toll road efforts. The group claims the "Keep Texas Moving" promotional campaign violates a ban on state officials using their authority for political purposes. It also wants to stop agency officials from lobbying Congress to allow more tolling. On Thursday,...

Maryland transportation authorities are using E-ZPass technology to cite thousands of motorists who speed through toll plazas -- a tactic that has drivers and transportation groups fuming. Citizen Advocates for Safe and Efficient Travel, a motorist advocacy group, logged more than 300 complaints from upset drivers since July 15, when the group's president said the strategy was made public. "On one hand, the state wants [drivers] to buy E-ZPass to help traffic flow; then, on the other hand, nails us for doing it," President Chuck Jackson said. "It's a cheap speed-trap aimed at unsuspecting motorists, who are being cited for...