Didn’t pay that toll road fee? You’ve got more time

A grace period has been extended for drivers who use Orange County toll roads without paying, according to a news release.

First-time violators can avoid a fine if they pay their missed toll within 30 days of receiving a notice.

The grace period was initially set to end on Labor Day. A new end date has not yet been announced.

The 73, 133, 241 and 261 toll roads went to cashless account payments in May, prompting a significant rise in payment violations.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies, which operates the transit system, plans to evaluate its usage data as summer traffic wanes and commuters resume their routines, acting Chief Executive Mike Kraman said in a statement.

“We also want to keep the transition program in place as we make improvements to our customer service functions,” Kraman said.

Drivers have expressed frustration with busy phone lines, an online payment form that does not seem to work and a lack of information about how to pay.

Additional road signs have been installed, customer service representatives have been added and 46 new phone lines are being set up, the news release said.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies may also make permanent a concession now granted to drivers who use the toll roads but don’t have an account, according to the release. They are allowed to pay online within seven days rather than 48 hours as initially planned.

— Emily Foxhall

Twitter: @emfoxhall