Nine million vehicles used bridges illegally in 2013

ISTANBUL

Drivers are warned via a text message that says criminal action will not be pursued if they take steps after the illegal usage of the roadways.

More than 9 million vehicles illegally passed through toll bridges and highways in 2013, Transportation, Maritime and Communications Minister Lütfi Elvan has said.

Around 139 million vehicles passed through toll highways and bridges last year, of whom 9.2 million passed without paying because they did not have the fast pass system (HGS) account or did not have enough funds in their account, the minister said in response to a parliamentary question submitted by Republican People’s Party (CHP) Ardahan lawmaker Ensar Öğüt.

Passing through toll bridges or highways without paying is a criminal offense, Elvan said, adding that the notification of the criminal action was not being sent to drivers if a HGS card is bought or enough funds to pay the passage is loaded onto the card within seven days.

Drivers are also warned via a text message that says criminal action will not be pursued if they take the necessary steps after the illegal usage of the roadways. If drivers appeal the notification, Turkey’s General Directorate of Highways (KGM) examines the photos showing the illegal passage and takes necessary steps to prevent unjust treatment.

The HGS was launched in 2012 to replace the former card pass system (KGS), enabling faster passage with drivers using tags and cards to pay. Today, a total of 5.6 million vehicles subscribe to the HGS.