Dec 14, 2008 3:01 pm US/Eastern
Pike Toll Protest Cancelled
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
After listening to the city's safety concerns related to drivers taking alternate routes in protest of proposed toll hikes,
StopThePikeHike.org has cancelled the protest, which was scheduled for Tuesday.
The protest called for
Mass. Pike drivers to avoid the tolls on Tuesday. Upon hearing of the Pike protest,
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and the city's public safety commissioners sat down with representatives from Stop the Pike Hike to discuss safety concerns.
The city cited the potentially dangerous impact the protest would have on traffic and city streets should all commuters avoid the highway. In a letter to StopThePikeHike.org, Menino explained that the protest would create a host of problems for the city, including increased traffic on residential streets, a financial impact on residents and the business community, and a question of whether or not the MBTA had the ability to handle additional ridership.
Read Menino's Full Letter
After hearing the city's concerns, Stop the Pike Hike agreed to cancel the protest and come up with an alternate way of voicing their concerns about the toll increase.
The protest was originally scheduled to be held on the anniversary of the
Boston Tea Party.
Officials will soon vote on whether or not to increase the tolls. If the measure is approved, tolls on the Pike will
increase drastically.
Drivers using the Weston-128 and the Allston-Brighton tolls will see a 75 cent increase. Tunnel drivers will see tolls jump from $3.50 to $7.
An alternate protest has not yet been announced. Supporters can check
StopThePikeHike.org for more information.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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