According to this story in today's Globe, the relatively new u-turn ramp in Allston that allows Mass Pike drivers heading west to reverse direction and drive into downtown "has averaged barely 70 authorized daily users". But this story from last November reported that, when the ramp was restricted to commercial vehicles police "wrote 986 citations there Oct. 16-26". These numbers don't add up. If almost 100 people a day were using the ramp illegally, how could the total use be 70 vehicles?
The larger point of the story remains valid - this $1.6 million dollar project so far seems to be far from the "significant asset for our tourism and visitor industry" carrying 1,500 vehicles a day that the business community predicted.
With major transportation problems here in A/B, the "need to study at least twice to spend wisely once" and try to understand why previous estimate have been right or wrong are ideas to remember.
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I hate that thing, they gave me a citation too and I'm now fighting it. You used to be able to turn around without going through the toll and for free, now they just use that lane to ticket people. It takes a picture of your car as you go through. Bastards!
ReplyDeleteI mistakenly skipped out on a toll in NH on way to Ski, the violation fee was $1 and I actually went through a toll. The crooks at MassDOT charged a violation fee of $50 and i took the u-turn to go back to Boston because I took a wrong turn coming out of Southie and THAT IS THE FIRST CHANCE TO TURN AROUND!!! MOVING to NH!!!
DeleteI just got one in the mail, too! Never saw a sign, and was grateful that I didn't have to go on the Pike to turn around. I have just appealed in writing. So wrong!
DeleteI totally agree. I just got ticket with same reason.
DeleteI just got the same letter....ITS A UTURN!NO TOLLS WHATS WRONG NOW? D:
DeleteI found out the hard way today, too! What is up with that? Is it legal to provide a U turn that isn't legal to use???
ReplyDeleteThere's the sign one mile before the toll that says the U-turn is there with no restrictions listed. Just before the toll there's the U-turn on the left with no restrictions listed. Not even a no u-turn sign.
ReplyDeleteI was prepared to pay the toll despite the fact that my getting on the turnpike west was a mistake. I was plesantly surprised to see the U-turn option without restrictions. I was not plesant after I got the ticket
Ticket? Entrapment. They'll be getting more than an appeal from me.
I just got an appeal too. How are other people handling this? They won't even let you appeal over the phone its ridiculous. I also paid this when i got a notice in the mail two months ago, and they just today sent me the 50 dollar ticket. WTF?
DeleteI experienced the same thing as Anonymous March 2, 2010 posting. I am definitely
ReplyDeleteappealing this.
your looking for a place to park. a cop waves you on to a parking area . you park to the place he has pointed to . as you get out of the car the cop moves away from the front of a sign that is now revealed. it reads no parking . he then hands you a ticket for illegally parking. can anybody tell me the difference between that scenario and getting fined for alleged illegal u turn [or whatever the hell it is]near that toll booth ? this goes beyond entrapment. this is pure unadulterated fraud and should be looked at as a criminal offense perpetrated by the mass. turnpike authority
ReplyDeleteThis is ridiculous, the way they did this U turn is to trap people. This should be illegal.
ReplyDeleteEverybody who got fine by Mass turnpike authority should fight in court and get your money back.
There is no sign saying that U turn is not for everybody, since the sign it is not specify, we should be allowed not to pay this crap.
There are no Exits from Downtown Boston until the Allston/Brighton toll...that U-turn is the only alternative for drivers. someone needs to get fired!!!
ReplyDeletereceived my citation in the mail today for this??????????? Has anyone won an appeal?
ReplyDeleteI have appealed twice and won... so-to-speak. I did not have to pay to $50 but had to pay the toll amount plus and administrative fee totaling $7.50.
DeleteDid you still receive points added to your insurance, did your insurance go up as this is a violation?
DeleteI'm from out of state and when I realized that I was going west instead of east, I was relieved to see the U-turn. How nice! How convenient! What great planning! I took the U-turn back to Boston and never saw anything about its being illegal or that I'd have to go through a toll. This is reprehensible. When I received the citation in the mail I thought I'd pay it to save time and trouble. After thinking about it, though, I've decided to come back from out of state and appeal this. I'd like to know what creep came up with this. Welcome to Massachusetts!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I received the citation EIGHT MONTHS after the alleged infraction. Is this because there are so many citations going out to unsuspecting motorists that they have a huge backlog? C'mon, guys, let's all appeal. This is just plain WRONG.
I don't know when you posted your comment, because this website only shows the time of day it was poster, but I am with you. I am also from out of state and just received the pl99 uturn citation 11 months after the "violation" date. I know for sure that i didnt make any illegal u-turns or skip tolls. They also dont even specify exactly what I did wrong.
DeleteI just now received a citation for a pl99 U-turn. Mind you it was 7 months after being in Boston. I know without a doubt that I did not turn around in any area marked that it was restricted to certain vehicles. The only time I turned around which I have to assume is what this is for is when I got off the hwy just prior to a toll booth when I realized I was going the wrong way. There were no signs stating that it was for certain vehicles. This is a shame on the State of Massachussets!! How do you not properly place signage and then fine out of state travelers for not knowing that a exit is not for public usage. This is ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteI just received the same violation for months after i went to Boston. I paid because i do not have the free time to go to Boston for court. I am not happy that massdot seems to think this is ok.
ReplyDeleteI just received the same PL99 U-Turn on 7/3/13 for a trip to Boston on April 23, 2013. Like the others I saw a sign for a U-turn to 90 East and took it but i did not see any signs stating a Toll or E-ZPASS only so I took this U-Turn as well. Lucky me to have such a wonderful experience on the Mass Pike. This is a great revenue generator for Boston. I will be sure to send a letter to the Governor of Connecticut who is always looking for ways to raise revenues. Why not create an illegal U-turn in Connecticut but post a sign and say its OK for out of state drivers to use. They won't want to come back to the State to pay a $50 fine its would cost more for the gas and toll.
ReplyDeleteWhat a Joke!
Agree, from a fellow CT driver . Very deceptive way to generate DOT income. I bet it's run by a private company getting filthy rich off this scam and sending Boston a small percentage.
DeleteLol!
DeleteI got the fine as well, needed to make a U turn because coming out of the airport the signage is confusing, my intended route was the south east expressway and of course they don't call it that anymore so after missing the exit ended up on the Mass pike. Damn. I want you all to know I did not run the toll and paid the fare out of the tunnel from the airport. It was annoying to have miss read the signs ending up on the Mass pike.
ReplyDeleteI don't travel Boston often, unfamiliar with Ezpass and was traveling at the speed of light along with the other traffic and my daughter and I saw a U Turn sign. I am a optimistic and trusting person and took the sign's big letters "U Turn to Boston" as a sign from God and at its face value or better was thinking wasn't it thoughtful of the turnpike authority to put a U turn for those of us who get lost.
Now that I have this nifty "Toll Violation Notice" it occurred to me that those that receive the benefit of using the Mass pike to reach a destination should pay but if you reverse direction ending up at your beginning point there was no value received so why the charge? Its not like your getting something and not paying. Do you all remember "Alice's Restaurant". Please, be a good citizen and appeals the violation, the cost of the appeals will much greater to process that the $50 buck fine.
I am appealing and the above will be what is written on the form.
I got the ticket too. Thanks for the discussion. I'm more encouraged to appeal.
ReplyDeleteFYI, you can use google street view to see what's there on the u-turn. Search for "hookerr-sorrento playground boston" in Google Maps and you will see the glorious U-turn on I-90. There was "EZ-pass" written on the U-Turn sign but it didn't clearly mean that you have to pay here. 1 mile back there was another U-Turn sign. NO warning for toll or EZ-pass on the sign!
Has anyone been successful appealing because we just got a citation in the mail today for doing this U-turn one year ago.
ReplyDeleteI got a ticket for doing this turn around and then another one a few mintes later for same thing. I put it was my first offense and descibe about the lack of signs and direction and the appeal was granted and reduced to 7.50 per offence because of toll. it was better than 105.00 for the two. hope this helps
ReplyDeleteWhat did you say do thst they waved the fine
DeleteAlso I did this appeal on line and got a responce right away with the appeal granted. Do not send any money. Just follow directions and make it breif. Hope this helps
ReplyDeleteNot sure how you appealed online, the letter I received says no online appeals. If you remember could you post that information, thanks!
DeleteI just got a notice of this violation that they claim occurred almost a year and a half ago! I was in the Boston area around that time for only the second time in my life. IF, it is for what I think it might be, I was trying desperately not to get lost on their miserable road system, not trying to dodge a measly toll. I'll appeal, if for no other reason than to cost them the time to deal with me. What I'd like to do is pass on this fine to the morons that design the roads and signage (or lack there of) in that miserable to navigate town.
ReplyDeletePlease refer to #5 under "Values," in the "Mission and Values" statement of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Use link below.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.massdot.state.ma.us/AboutUs.aspx
I got the same thing, problem is it's not me. They said I made the u-Turn at 10:46 in the am when Ummm yeah I'm in work at 8am in RHODE ISLAND!... Defiantely Fighting!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just received a letter stating that I also didn't pay a toll and the location of violation is PL99 U-turn. Does anyone know where that is? I know I paid the toll coming from the airport, I got lost and got back on the right road after talking with the toll attendant who gave me directions. No other toll involved. I came to a split in the road, tolls on the right, another road on the left, I toll that one. is that the toll evasion? I don't want to have to go back to Mass to fight this as it would cost me more but I do not want to pay for something I didn't do. Any advice from anyone else who had the same problem?
ReplyDeletemofo ftard engineers in boston. corrupt greedy thieves. Noticed that many of the entrapped here are from out of state. How convenient for these thieves. i also got a 99 uturn ticket. wtf. the signage and roads are like being in hell. talk about distracted driving. I'm gonna fight it via appeal and also send a c&p of this blogg to ask my state reps for help.
ReplyDeleteGot my violation today. Same story, poor signage and it appears that this is an obvious attempt by the DOT to get people to violate so they can make money. The Exit 20 sign says NOTHING about needing EZ PASS, or paying toll. There are no toll booths once you take the exit, you don't have an opportunity to pay the toll. This is deliberate. I would like to know how much money they are making at this Plaza for this SCAM!
ReplyDeleteSame happened to me. Did you appeal the violation? And if yes, was saying that there was no opportunity to pay the toll a good enough excuse?
DeleteI am from RI and the same thing happened to me. I took the U-turn and go a violation notice in the mail. I am definitely going to appeal!
ReplyDeleteI got one, I am appealing. We all should. Maybe more and more of these appeals will make them take an action.
ReplyDeleteYes, just got my ticket in the mail. Thanks for this blog, it was helpful. Worse part was, I had toll money in hand and no place to pay. Never saw any signs for EZ Pass Only the roads were covered in snow and construction signs and vehicles everwhere with blinking lights. $50 is a steep fine. Next time, I should park my car in the middle of the road and wait for the trooper so that I can pay him the $2.50.
ReplyDeleteJust got my ticket in the mail for making that same u turn. Never got one in the past and I didn't see any sign that indicated a toll.
ReplyDeleteJust got mine in the mail as well what a crock of shit im definatly appealing
ReplyDelete6/12/15 I live in Boston and dropped someone off at the airport. I paid $3.50 twice before entering and exiting airport. Returning, I missed my exit to 93 and ended up on the mass pike. I was so relieved to see the sign to make a u-turn. I would have elected to just get off at the first possible exit and get back on if I'd known I was making an illegal u-turn. I was nervous enough to have ended up on the pike but now pissed off they are penalizing me for making a human error. I will be appealing and will let you know the outcome.
ReplyDeleteJust got mine. Glad I read these posts. I will appeal as well. I've always been a lawful and considerate driver, never got a speeding ticket. I mistakenly wound up on 90W and saw sign for U-turn. Of course I took it, and would've paid toll had there been that option. Why should a simple mistake cost me fifty bucks? As if driving and parking in Boston isn't already a HUGE pain and expense. Shameful.
ReplyDeleteI got a toll violation ticket in mail for this U turn, today (9/30/2015)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis happened to me when I went to take my sister to the airport at 12 am in the morning. I was in my PJ's, and very tired, with less than a 1/3 tank of gas, had spent my last $3.50 dollars at the summer toll. On my way home l missed the one and only exit and ended up at in Allston Brighton, so I did what anyone with common sense would have done. I was soooo happy to see an exit that said U TURN TO Boston. So I took it and ended up with a $50.00 fine in the mail. It took me a while to realized what the ticket was for. I cannot believe that I was not suppose to take that exit in pitch darkness with my pj's, tired, no money on me, and low on gas. That's Madness.
ReplyDeleteI am from CT. I got a ticket PL99 U-Turn but I do not recall passing a toll without paying tolls. I do not know where I missed paying that toll ???? I do not have e-z pass. How do I appeal?
ReplyDelete12/1/15 They are still doing it! I got a ticket over the weekend from taking this exit on 11/28/15. My navi told me to bear left, so I did and ended up on this U Turn to Boston ramp. There is no toll there and no signs stating you can't drive there if you don't have an EZ Pass, which I don't. I am not from this area and have never been on the Mass Pike. It's deceiving and creepy that they are taking pictures of your vehicle without you knowing about it. Makes me wonder where else we are being watched. I am appealing. The ticket should be for the amount of the toll, not $50! Furthermore, I am not legally required to have an EZ Pass in my vehicle, so why are their roads that are only allowed for EZ Pass holders in the first place? There should be a cash option as well and plenty of signs to warn you beforehand because you can't leave the roadway once you are on it. And why is there a toll for turning around to go back in the direction you just came from? Not cool Boston. Not cool.
ReplyDeleteThis is a total scam shakedown, and I'm pissed. I'm happy to pay the toll of $2.50. As an occasional visitor to Boston, I actually find the Toll By Mail (or whatever) convenient and I'm happy to pay. But this surprise "PL99 U-TURN Violation" is absolute horsesh*t. No where did I see a warning or otherwise....apparently my violation was at 7:07 AM but I have no recollection of violating any restriction.
ReplyDeleteI am appealing this. It would be great if there was some generic letter available that has worked previously for someone else. I'm afraid I might get a little "pointed" so I'll try to keep calm.
^^ 3/11/16
ReplyDeleteSame 3/26/16
ReplyDeleteSame 3/26/16
ReplyDeleteSame 04/02/2016. I don't know if I should appeal. Thanks for this blog!
ReplyDeleteI had an easy pass and I put it away because it imparts my vision in a tiny car. It would be nice if they had a sign stating it was an only easy pass because I would have had it out. All I saw was a signice in yellow saying it was a u-turn ramp to Boston this is bull shit first and last time I go to Boston. It should be better identified for visitors of the state and also the people that live there. Also if you read more there is an additional 3.50 charge for each ticket this is so fucked up.
ReplyDeleteMFing bastards got us too on 3/6/16. Just got the VIOLATION notice 3 months later. Out of staters that got lost. That's crooked as hell.
ReplyDeleteI got one too. This is so evil. I am appealing it.
ReplyDeleteThis U-turn looks like a massDOT SCAM
ReplyDeleteReceived notice of violation in mail three weeks after returning home, including $50 fee. It did not register my E-Z Pass so I am appealing.
ReplyDeleteI got my ticket. Eight Years and nothing has been done about this scam?!
ReplyDeleteWe visited Boston from KY and got turned around leaving downtown...let me say the signage around this area is confusing for first time visitors. We were relieved to see the U Turn back to Boston and get ourselves back on track. Unfortunately, we only noticed the U Turn sign, not anything stating EZ-Pass holders only. Well, it seems like a trap to catch unsuspecting visitors. This $50 violation seems extreme and has left us mad after we spent our tourist dollars in the city (hotel, valet parking (50 per night), boat tours, shopping etc.) We are appealing but thanks for nothing MassDOT...what a way to welcome tourists.
ReplyDeleteWe visited Boston from KY and got turned around leaving downtown...let me say the signage around this area is confusing for first time visitors. We were relieved to see the U Turn back to Boston and get ourselves back on track. Unfortunately, we only noticed the U Turn sign, not anything stating EZ-Pass holders only. Well, it seems like a trap to catch unsuspecting visitors. This $50 violation seems extreme and has left us mad after we spent our tourist dollars in the city (hotel, valet parking (50 per night), boat tours, shopping etc.) We are appealing but thanks for nothing MassDOT...what a way to welcome tourists.
ReplyDeleteSame, except my charge was for $3.50 + 10.00 fee=$13.50. Texas visitor with a Mass car rental. I missed my exit coming out of the tunnels from the airport and the first turnaround on I-90 is the u-turn at this location. I was told from MassTurnAuth that this exit is indeed marked "clearly" and that I missed it. What gets me is that this is the first exit on I-90w after the airport/tunnel mishap and it appears that Allston/Brighton is collecting on driver error. I agree with toll ticket entrapment. I noticed the u-turn sign too, but did not see any toll charge or EZ-Pass toll signs. As an OOS driver and first visit to Boston Logan I was grateful for the first exit to turn around so I could head north to NH. I have to tell you, the DFW in Texas has tolls marked clearly and Boston/Allston/Brighton does not.
ReplyDeleteAnd 8/10/16 just got my violation notice. What bs I'm appealing
ReplyDeleteI got caught on this too last year. It does have a sign that says Authorized Use Only - but only after you've committed to make the turn.
ReplyDeleteIt does not say no u-turn. A sign with the signature upside down red U before the turn would have helped. My niece just got caught last week with the same violation.
March 31, 2017. Just received toll fine for $3.55 + $0.60 fee.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.mass.gov/forms/contact-massdot
ReplyDeleteThe link on the Violation Notice wouldn't let me appeal. I sent my explanation and Violation number to the link above. I'm waiting on a response.
I posted this 10/24/17
Delete