Toll Roads

I am surprised to see opposition to President Clinton’s suggestion of toll roads (letter, March 18). Free highways are yet another form of welfare to the rich.

The costs of installing and maintaining the infrastructure needed by cars, including traffic police and highway patrol, are paid by everybody. The gasoline tax only covers a small fraction of the overall cost. The costs of the health care needed because of air pollution and the damage to the environment are borne by everybody.

The benefits, however, go to those who drive, in proportion to how much they drive. Tolls combined with pollution and parking taxes would eliminate the subsidies to cars.

LUIZ S. HOMEM DE MELLO

Pasadena