Watch CBS News

Pa. Drivers Speak Out About High Gas Tax

By Syma Chowdhry

WARMINSTER, Pa. (CBS) -- Gas prices may be at an all time low, but a gas tax in Pennsylvania could set back drivers 10 cents a gallon.

Erika Bach says, "Money does not grow on trees unfortunately."

"No one likes a tax increase. My opinion is ya we don't need one," adds Barry Weidner.

This is the second of three gas tax installments.

Charles Metzger of PennDOT says, "We are now taxing the producers of oil and it's up to them to decide how much they are going to pass on to the consumers."

Last year's hike brought in $800 million.

Something AAA says is needed.

Jim Lardear, of AAA Mid-Atlantic says, "Pennsylvania's roads and bridges were in dire need of this shot of cash but for motorists it comes as a time when the economy is still a little shaky."

Overall, drivers now pay up to 70 cents a gallon in state and federal gas taxes.

But with gas prices at an all time low, some drivers don't mind the hike.

"Right now with the prices the way they are we really won't notice it," says Michael Dorosz.

The tax revenue is set to make improvements on roads and bridges.

PennDOT says this will help drivers in the long run.

"Smoother roads will provide less wear and tear on your car no pot holes. Save people on alignments and their rims," Metzger says.

"The first gas tax increase helped raised money for problem areas like Street Road here in Warminster -- and drivers have taken notice."

Dorosz says, "Last year it was really bad down here. They finally fixed it. There needs a lot of improvements on some of these highways."

"They are a lot better, roads are a lot smoother, everything is a lot safer on the roads," says Adam Dietz.

PennDOT says the gas tax hike will help them keep it that way.

"At the end of the 5 years under the program we are going to have $2.5 billion dollars to up keep and maintain our infrastructure."

And that will help, down the road.

You may also be interested in these stories:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.