The Bergen Record reported that the NJ Turnpike Authority has decided that four lanes at its new Exit 1 toll plaza in Carney's Point will have the capability to collect E-ZPass tolls at normal highway speeds. When the new plaza opens in 2003, drivers with E-ZPass will have the choice of driving unimpeded under an E-ZPass reader at speeds of at least 45 mph. The Turnpike already operates successful non-stop toll lanes at the Exit 6 junction with the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Florence. Turnpike Executive Director Ed Gross told the Record that he convinced the Authority's board to take the step because he "was influenced by the media and by public officials, and the public's interest [in non-stop lanes]."

Meanwhile, the Asbury Park Press announced that Ocean County freeholders have approved the NJ Highway Authority's plan for a new Garden State Parkway exit in Berkeley. There has been no sign the Authority plans to build anything but traditional, congestion-causing toll plazas at this or any of the eight new exits it hopes to build in Ocean and Cape May Counties. More than ever, it seems that the Parkway will not heed the public's wishes for speedier, more efficient toll collection without state intervention. The Assembly Appropriations Committee will soon hear a bill sponsored by Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Alex DeCroce that would require the GSP to replace its cross-the-highway old-style booths with non-stop tolls once E-ZPass share reaches 2/3 at rush hour.

A companion bill was recently introduced and awaits hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee (S1702).