Officials who operate the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are getting tougher on chronic toll cheats.

Garden State Parkway
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The turnpike authority is working to suspend the registrations of 131 companies and individuals who owe $2.5 million in combined unpaid tolls and fees. The individual amounts range from $3,075 to $116,281.

The Motor Vehicle Commission has started sending out notices that the suspensions will take place within 25 days under the pilot program unless the person pays up.

The agency has stepped up efforts to recover unpaid tolls. Collections last year yielded $1.9 million in tolls and fees. State Police have also arrested 62 people on theft of services charges. The authority says it reached settlements with nine people before they were arrested.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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