Several associations are urging Congress to ax a plan to add more tolls on the nation's highways, saying such a move would hurt businesses and consumers.

The Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates—a coalition bringing together several dozen businesses and associations—is worried about a proposal before a House committee that would expand interstate tolling and allow states to divert toll revenue to unrelated projects. As its name implies, the coalition is opposed to interstate tolls in general, and maintains that any expansion would result in a drag on the economy.

"Businesses would face higher operating expenses and pass those costs on to consumers," the group states in a form letter it is asking supporters to sign. "Commuters and travelers would face steep cost increases and hourly employees might have to work an extra hour per day just to pay the toll to and from work. Traffic diversion around tolls onto secondary routes is a proven phenomenon, causing congestion, increased accidents, higher road-wear and repair costs for local governments, and slower first-response times."

The coalition argues tolls are a form of double taxation since motorists already pay fuel taxes to build and maintain interstates.

Members of the coalition include the American Trucking Associations, International Franchise Association, Moving and Storage Association, National Motorists Association and Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America. http://bit.ly/1QsSKpq

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