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MIAMI - State officials want to reward tow operators with bonuses for moving wrecked vehicles off Florida's Turnpike within 90 minutes in a plan to help ease traffic snarls caused by accidents.
The program, which could start around year's end, will give the bonus if vehicles - mostly 18-wheel semitrailer trucks - are moved within 90 minutes of the towing company's receiving permission, which comes after hazardous materials are cleared and victims are removed to hospitals.
If the wreck isn't cleared within those 90 minutes, the tow firm has another 90 minutes to finish, but gets no bonus. After that, it pays the state a penalty of $10 a minute.