Ocean City Mayor: Bay Bridge Toll Hike Could Hurt Beach Towns

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The mayor of Ocean City is worried a plan to hike tolls on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge could have a negative impact on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Mayor Rick Meehan tells WTOP Radio some of the rates he has heard are "a little dramatic." He says it may be bad timing for such a hike with high gas prices.

The Maryland Transportation Authority is proposing raising the price for most drivers from $2.50 to $5 to cross the bridge beginning in October. By 2013, the price would jump to $8 one-way.

Meehan says he understands officials are proposing an increase due to budget shortfalls. Still, he says he's hoping for a compromise.

Meehan says he hopes the state will give drivers an advantage for using EZ Passes.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)