VDOT tests toll cameras
NEWS BRIEFS

The Virginia Department of Transportation is currently testing several new cameras recently installed at county toll booths along Powhite Parkway. The cameras are designed to catch motorists who speed through the booths without paying tolls.

"The toll violation cameras became necessary because we were losing more than $1.4 million annually [statewide] in toll violations," said Deborah Brown, VDOT's director of innovative finance and revenue operations.

Beginning early next year, toll violation notices will be sent out to motorists who don't pay at the booths. Notices will include the date of the violation and a photo of the license plate taken at the time of the violation.

Violators will be asked to pay the toll amount plus a $25 administrative fee. There are appeals procedures to follow for cases of mistaken identity, sold or stolen cars and leased or rental vehicles.

To ensure the privacy of motorists, all records related to violations will be purged within 30 days of being paid.

Motorists with three or more violations who receive violation notices, but do not remit payments, will be subject to civil fines and could have their vehicle registration blocked when they attempt to renew at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

"The good news is that the deployment of this technology will allow more toll facilities to provide 'express lanes,' which do not rely on gates or other physical barriers to ensure payment of tolls. This will reduce congestion associated with toll plazas," said Brown.

Smart Tag users will be able to go through many booths without stopping because of lowered gates.

Mall sued over stabbing

A former employee of April's Treasure in Chesterfield Towne Center is suing the mall for a stabbing that allegedly took place there in November 2004.

According to court reports, DeJean Thomas was working at April's Treasure on Nov. 26 that year when she had a verbal altercation with a co-worker. The co-worker allegedly called two men who followed Thomas from the store when she left during a break. Thomas says she was stabbed in the stomach by one of the men.

In her lawsuit, Thomas alleges the mall was negligent because it was obligated to "provide adequate security, provide a reasonably safe environment, and to protect [her] from such an assault." Additionally, she is suing for "intentional infliction of emotional distress." She is seeking $100,000 in damages.

"We really don't have anything to say about [the lawsuit]," said Bill Siebenaler, mall manager. "It involved two employees at a store. It had nothing to do with the mall."

April's Treasure and Macerich Partnership, LP are also named as defendants in the case, which was filed in Chesterfield County Circuit Court earlier this month.

Lowe's land condemnation

The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Virginia is seeking the condemnation of land (.014 acre) owned by Lowe's at Hull Street and Winterpock roads. The commissioner says the land is needed to make improvements along that section of Hull Street Road.

The state is using the condemnation process because the parties have been unable to agree on a purchase price for the land.

Flasher wanted

Police are searching for a man who is wanted in connection with four indecent exposure incidents that occurred in Midlothian within the last four months.

Police said the suspect has exposed himself to teenage girls in stores and in public areas. The incidents occurred at the Wal-Mart off Midlothian Turnpike on Aug. 18 and Nov. 20, the Burlington Coat Factory on Midlothian Turnpike on Oct. 24 and at the intersection of Pavilion Place and Waterford Cove Road on Oct. 30.

The suspect is described as a white male who is in his late teens or early 20s. He is about 6 feet tall and has black hair.

Anyone with information should call the Chesterfield County Police Department at 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 748-0660.