TRENTON - Motorists who break down in New Jersey might have to pay for help.
The state is considering replacing its free roadside assistance program with a private company that would charge to change a tire, jump a battery or provide a gallon of gas.
The Emergency Service Patrol has been operating since 1994. It was created to keep lanes clear, reduce congestion and increase safety. Last year it provided aid to 114,000 motorists.
Its team of 90 drivers work Monday through Friday from 4 a.m. through 8:30 p.m., with some weekend hours around Cherry Hill. The service is limited to about 400 miles of the busiest state highways. Towing is not provided.
The state's toll roads - the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway - have their own services paid for by toll revenues.
Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson said privatizing the service could free up as much as $12 million that the state gets annually from the federal government to run the program.
"I can take that $12 million and use it for more asphalt," Simpson said.
A state commission studying privatization of government services recently recommended that the state dismantle the program.
John Galandek, a member of the New Jersey Privatization Task Force, said New Jersey should not be in the business of providing roadside assistance in a time of budget constraints and when many drivers have access to roadside assistance through their insurance company or an automobile club.
The state Transportation Department will evaluate the cost to contract with a private company, Simpson said.
Michael Collins, a driver for the state service, said he believes saves lives, particularly when police are busy. He recalled being first on the scene to aid a woman who skidded on ice and crashed her car last year.
"You have state police tied up on a snow day, ice everywhere, and you have accidents," he said.
