'Abuser Fees' Face Axe In Front Royal

(WUSA) -- The anger over Virginia's "abuser fees" has reached a boiling point in Front Royal, Virginia and they're not going to take it anymore.

The town council will vote on a proposal to block the enforcement of the fees within town limits.

Councilman Tom Sayre who is leading the charge says the fees are too steep and will severely hurt lower income people who are charged with traffic violations.

Click HERE to read more about Va. House Bill 3202, the "Abuser Fee" legislation.

Springfield Delegate Dave Albo (R) crafted the "abuser fee" plan as part of $1 billion a year transportation package. The fees do not apply to common traffic infractions such as failing to use a signal, but they do target drunk drivers and reckless driving which can be 20 miles per hour over the speed limit.

Albo says the bloggers are fueling misunderstanding. He says getting rid of the "abuser fees" would cause the whole package to unravel. He says if the plan unravels, Northern Virginians may not see Rolling Road widened or the Fairfax County Parkway finished.

To raise the $60 million, the abuser fees would bring would take a 2 cent increase in the gas tax, but Albo and others say that never would've passed the legislature.

Written by Peggy Fox
9NEWS NOW