The transportation ministry gets many 407 billing complaints.
KYLE GENNINGS
NEWS REPORTER
Drivers have been flooding the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) with complaints about the 407 Express Toll Route (ETR) highway, said Bob Nichols, senior media liaison with the ministry.
“The MTO receives between 70 and 100 calls per week relating to 407 ETR billing issues,” said Nichols.
However, any issues with the 407 ETR cannot be handled by the MTO because of the 1998 Highway 407 Act, which gives the owners of the 407 ETR control over the collection and enforcement of tolls, which can include license plate denials.
“People with complaints should call the 407 ETR or e-mail them,” Nichols said.
Frank Klees, Conservative MPP for Newmarket-Aurora and transportation critic, said the situation is unacceptable.
“Quite frankly, I think that the fault here is with the ministry for not holding the 407 administration to account,” said Klees.
The 407 was privatized the Conservative provincial government in 1999 and a consortium of companies signed a 99-year lease for $3.1 billion.
Klees said the province should treat the owners of the 407 ETR as they would any other business. “The provincial government needs to hold the 407 ETR responsible like any other business that harasses their customers using third party collection agencies.”
Second-year fashion student Joanna Wright uses the 407 frequently and hasn’t had any issues with the 407.
“I use the 407 because of the light traffic flow, the better road conditions and shortened driving time to my destination,” said Wright. She said she has never been incorrectly billed.
Just got off the phone with 407ETR trying to find out what address invoices were sent from 2005. Received a statement saying that I owe them $1,500.00. They were not able to tell me. Unacceptable !!!!!
I paid all outstanding bills for 407 when i renewed my plates and now i am still getting calls that i owe them more money. This is highway robbery!!!!!