Complaint Review: Illinois Tollway

My son & I drove to Chicago to attend my 30th reunion. My sister lives near Brookfield and warned me in advance about all the tolls to go through and how much money to have. So FULLY prepared - I grew up north of the city - lived there 23 years and always new high penalities if didn't pay tolls. I opened my mailbox today & dumbfounded to see "Illinois Tollway" envelope???? I went back into my apartment to get my reading glasses & kept thinking, "WHY did they send me mail??". I knew we paid EVERY toll exactly what it stated - I'm a single mom, supporting numerous people right now.

I was soooo excited to go on this trip last month & had to really plan for it - no vacation since 1992, but now wished never went!! I hadn't been back to Chicago area in 16 yrs - I'm a total diehard fan of the Cubs, Blackhawks, John Hughes films - brag to co-workers & customers all the time... We arrived early evening fri evening & left early Sun morning, as had to get back to work. EXPLAIN to us - HOW did we get through if didn't pay??? ALL lights turned green & gates went up each time!!!...2 times at booths - should have got a receipt - should have filmed for proof!!!!!!!

I am sooo confused, soooo angry, in total disbelief on a $107.90 bill = 1.50 each toll x 5 x 20 = repay ALL tolls already paid + ungodly fines...Now can't pay me required health insurance bill as says to pay by 17th or extra $50 PER offense - I believe photo of license plates that are from OUT OF STATE are sent a notice easy to raise money for the city...as broke & feel won't come back to fight it in court - can't miss work, afford to drive there nor a lawyer & for them to say, "what proof?" & have to pay anyways.. What do they even do with the toll $ collected??...from what I remember, "Welcome to Illinois" - wham!! - hit a pothole, so NOT utilizing the funds properly...

My uncle was a devoted proud Chicago sergeant 20yrs at the 20th precinct & sister a 20+yr paramedic for the city. I immediately texted her & she thought VERY strange since gates went up & lights green = ONLY does if pay...yes, took time to throw coins in basket ones to make sure - it calculated to work. Of course number to call closed when opened mail & closed tomorrow, Sunday. I have MANY friends in Chicago area & talking with an attorney Monday morning for free. My son, 25, is totally angry!!! - doesn't want me to pay, as knows we did what we were asked...

This is NOT right, NOT fair...I never want to go back there again. It was wonderful seeing people I haven't seen in many years, including my sister & nephew, but I refused to be wronged by this %$#@!! tactic of raising $ on innocent people traveling through state - HELLO Illinois - your asking money from people who just spent $ in your area!!!...I attended art school in city, promote Navy Pier, museums & restaurants for people to go visit...NOW, I will be warning them to BEWARE, not such a great place to visit afterall - save your $ & time & visit a different state then Illinois...Now, I feel completely CRAPPY about my home state - I was to relocate back, to be by family, have son & grandson in hockey & start my custom design business there,

now taking it elsewhere - YES, this event has made me completely turned around on views of this city...I don't like corrupt people or places!!! I am usually a VERY calm person, VERY rarely complain - usually go out of way to compliment, BUT this is OUTLANDISH!!!! I see many other complaints, so I'm not the only one & many for outrageous totals - don't know if they paid their tolls or not, but we sure as heck did...So NO more singing, "Sweet Home Chicago"...all is I can say, it BETTER be corrected Monday & this is for warning others before hit the toll booths in that area...I will NEVER go in that area EVER again..Good riddance!