The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has approved a toll increase an average of 16 percent to compensate for a $21 million revenue shortfall and a loss of traffic.
The increase, which will take affect Aug. 4, applies to both trucks and passenger cars.

The authority voted unanimously for the increase. It is the first increase since 2001, when it was raised 30 percent for trucks and 16 percent for passenger cars, according to Jack Damrill, public information officer. In the new increase, depending on the destination, the turnpike and the type of vehicle, most of the increases range from 13 percent to 20 percent.

The authority has been eyeing the increase since 2007, when the loss of traffic and revenues started becoming an issue. The state hired Wilbur Smith Associates to conduct a traffic and revenue review study, which recommended the toll hike. According to the study, commercial truck revenues have shown a declining trend since 2007.

The toll hike will bring in an estimated $21 million a year to the Turnpike Authority.