Metro

NJ plans more retail shopping at rest stops, service areas

A bill moving through the New Jersey Legislature envisions more shopping opportunities in places where people tend to spend a lot of time anyway: the state’s toll roads.

An Assembly bill targets rest stops and service plazas for greater retail development as part of a move to squeeze more revenue out of the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and Atlantic City Expressway without raising tolls or taxes.The Press of Atlantic City reports a companion bill died in the Senate during the last legislative session.

Twelve rest stops on the Turnpike and nine on the Parkway generate about $35 million annually. Billboards and corporate sponsorships also bring in revenue.

The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee approved the bill unanimously last week.