CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Police officials who travel in unmarked cars are urging the Legislature to allow them the same free and easy access through electronic tollbooths now enjoyed by state troopers.

They seek legislation to have the Department of Transportation issue free E-ZPass transponders that would allow local unmarked police cars go through the tolls without stopping.

Republican Rep. Robert L’Heureux of Merrimack told the House Public Works and Highways Committee on Thursday it’s absurd for Merrimack Police Chief William Mulligan to budget $500 a year to buy and use transponders for the six cars that don’t have license plates identifying them as town vehicles.

Local police in marked cars can go to staffed tollbooths and are allowed to pass without paying, according to Paul Stavenger, Merrimack deputy police chief.

But he says local police should enjoy the same benefits as state troopers do drive unmarked cars.