Toll Protests Scheduled for Saturday in Danbury

DANBURY, CT — Opposition to tolls on Connecticut highways will take to the streets in Danbury on Saturday.

Grassroots organization No Tolls CT is organizing the protest, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at the corner of White and Wildman streets.

Gov. Ned Lamont proposed this month a plan to build 53 toll-collecting gantries across the cities' three major interstates and the Merritt and Wilbur Cross parkways. Lamont campaigned on a trucks-only levy, but has delivered to the state legislature an all-vehicle tolling proposal as well.

Lamont has estimated that a toll on all vehicles could raise as much as $800 million annually. Studies show truck-only tolls would bring in a maximum of $200 million per year. Rhode Island is facing legal challenges over its truck-only tolls.

Opponents such as No Tolls CT believe the tolls will increase the cost of every item brought into the state, increase the cost of doing business in the state, increase traffic on secondary roads which will drive down property values, and increase the size of government with the formation of a toll authority.

No Tolls CT is also planning a Saturday protest for Norwich.