PORTLAND (AP) – Due to a last minute surge in applications, thousands of motorists will not have new E-ZPass devices when the Maine Turnpike Authority switches to its new toll-collection system and increases toll rates on Tuesday.

About 3,000 people did not receive their E-ZPass in time for the changeover to the new system. Turnpike officials blamed the delay on an unexpectedly large number of motorists signing up for the program at the last minute.

“I don’t think we anticipated that people were going to wait this long,” said Dan Paradee, turnpike spokesman.

Only 5,000 people sent in their E-ZPass applications by Jan. 7 – a week before the deadline, he said. More than 45,000 applications have been received since.

Still, the turnpike authority expects to be caught up with applications by the end of next week as workers scrambled to process applications.

In the meantime, there will be a two-week grace period for people who signed up for the commuter discount program but did not get their E-ZPass. Drivers can pass through the toll lanes as if they have an E-ZPass and won’t be ticketed.

Paradee said the turnpike authority will check license plate photographs to make sure these commuters do not receive tickets for not paying tolls. The grace period will end Feb. 14.

Despite the delay, some commuters still say the news of the switch is exciting for Maine, especially for those who frequently travel outside the state.

Jay Kilbourn of Kennebunk travels all over New England for his job with New England Organics. He has had an E-ZPass from Massachusetts for three years and plans to return it for one from the Maine Turnpike Authority.

“I think it’s a really good move, but it’s coming pretty late,” he said of the switch. “What would really be great is if New Hampshire can do theirs sooner.”

New Hampshire is expected to switch to E-ZPass later this year.

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