TORONTO, Ont. — 407 ETR, the owner and operator of Hwy. 407, announced a favourable decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal in regards to penalties for failure to pay 407 ETR tolls.

The Ontario Court of Appeal has denied the Ontario Government leave to appeal an Ontario Divisional Court decision ordering the Ontario Registrar of Motor Vehicles to comply with statutory obligation to deny vehicle permits to individuals who refuse to pay their 407 ETR tolls.

The 108-km stretch of highway, just north of Toronto, is operated using an electronic tolling system without traditional tolling booths.

In November, the government sought leave to appeal the decision, but indicated that the Registrar would begin to deny the renewal of existing, and the issuance of new, vehicle plates permits of individuals who refuse to pay their 407 ETR bills.

“Plate denial has been operating for three months, so we are pleased with the decision of the Court of Appeal,” said Enrique Diaz-Rato, president and CEO of 407 ETR. “Today’s decision is good news, not only for the company, but for the vast majority of customers who pay their bills. The only people who should be concerned with plate denial are the small number of people who refuse to pay their bills.”