ASK A COP?: Metering lights and cameras…

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—–Original Message—–
From: Debra
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2011 7:49 PM
To: info@coptalk.info
Subject: Metering lights in California

Are you aware whether the freeway on-ramp metering lights in California have cameras to flash your car’s picture if you accidentally run the light? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen this information posted, but I know I saw a flash happen…

Thanks for any info you can provide.


Thanks for the question:

Usually any cameras associated with metering lights are there to enforce toll lane or Fastrak style toll transponders only and the only ticket per say you will get is if you violate the toll requirements for that section of roadway.

Many roads in southern CA and now spreading to Northern CA are toll regulated or allow for toll to be issued to your fastrak style transponder in lieu of needing to be a carpool and for use of the carpool lanes.

I would look for signs that explain if the areas you are worried about are related to possible toll lanes or carpool lanes.

The other item of note is that all major bridges that use a Fastrak lane etc. are using cameras to enforce when the toll transponder does not work, they then compare the image to the license of your vehicle to properly bill your account.

Some additional personal notes: I would not put it past CA to monetize this system at some point either passing a law to catch toll lane speeders or simply calculating speed based on transponder locations, both are very possible with the technology already in place. I know I hope this does not happen as that is very “big brother” but each day when I use the Fastrak toll lane and people pass me at 90mph plus – that is not helping the future decisions.

Hopefully that helps shed some light on your question.

If you would like a copy of the book for asking your question please let me know your mailing address and I will send one out.

COPTALK
Brent
www.coptalk.info

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