BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is considering cutting about 100 toll collectors, a move that could save the cash-strapped agency $10 million per year.

Administration officials have notified the union that represents the workers that they plan to lay off 100 people within 12 to 18 months. That represents nearly one-fourth of the agency's toll collectors, who make an average of $70,000 per year.

Turnpike Executive Director Alan LeBovidge says the move is part of an effort to modernize its toll collecting system by eventually making it fully automated.

The agency is trying to close a $30 million budget shortfall and pay off billions of dollars in Big Dig debt. The Turnpike has already laid off 25 percent of its senior managers, eliminated some administrative positions and cut overtime.