In December 2022 the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) partnered with its toll road operator, Transurban, to increase tolls by 300% on Express Lanes for vehicles over seven feet.  The justification was compensation for damage done to roadways by such vehicles.

Tradesmen commonly operate from service vans that allow them to travel with an inventory of commonly used supplies.  The average eight-foot van may have a roof rack to carry ladders or pipes, adding 12-18 inches to the height.  These are NOT heavy trucks responsible for expensive road wear.

Service vans routinely utilize Express Lanes to improve response times and reduce lag.

The increased tolls will be passed along to consumers in terms of higher charges or slower response times.

Increasing the allowable height by 18-24 inches will still enable VDOT/Transuburban to capture revenue from larger vehicles that do impact road repairs.