Gov. Patrick puts brakes on RMV fee

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick says he's rescinding a new $5 fee the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has been levying for in-person branch transactions.

Patrick told The Associated Press on Tuesday he supports the Registry's effort to conduct more of its routine transactions online, but he doesn't want to "jam people up" during tough economic times. The RMV will rescind the fee as soon as possible.

Legislative leaders and members of both major political parties criticized the fee since it took effect Monday. They say it is part of a pattern of nickle-and-diming state residents who have already faced an array of tax hikes.