OT: Massachusetts drivers be careful at the tolls - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

X5Boston · 15th July 2002, 08:12

Seems with the toll increases and complaints about "speeding" through the Fast Lane automated toll collection system, the smokeys are beginning to enforce the 15MPH speed limit. One of my friends was mailed a ticket taken via traffic camera.

Yea, we all know the 15MPH speed limit is ridiculous and this is probably another way to pay for that sinkhole known as the Big Dig. Still be careful out there. I noticed the tolls on I-90 West at the I-95/128 split in Waltham now has a photo radar setup. The large flashing signs with X-band guns in them have been moved into the area to try and lull those with radar detectors into a false sense of security. That "friendly" toll increase message is pretty sneaky since most people are used to their detectors going off around the signs. Those with V1s will notice an extra signal signal pointing straight at the Fast Lane lanes.

Just a heads up. Happy motoring.

DrRob · 15th July 2002, 14:44

Thanks for the alert, X5Boston.

kevin034 · 15th July 2002, 15:46

We here at NJ have something called EZPass, all lanes are currently restricted at 15Mph. I've seen those "FAST" toll lanes down in MD, which I think should be the way it works. Having this 15MpH speed limit is such a pain in the nuts.

Oh ... recently they installed speed cameras at each of the EZPass tolls. When you pass it, a digital display tells you how fast you are going. Just for fun ... I always slow down to 15MpH ... then just as my speed shows up on the digital display, I nail the gas as fast as I can. This once I hit 25+MpH at the point of going through the tolls! What a thrill!

Never got a speeding ticket through the polls though.

TCM · 15th July 2002, 17:58

Good detective work Win! You would not happen to know what the fine is would you. Do they fine you as a straight speeding or do they fine you as if you were in a construction area due to the toll workers? Whatever, either way, I am going under 15 at the tolls. Thanks for sharing.

tfung · 15th July 2002, 19:47

I actually like how they work the EZ pass in NY... where they have gates that open once you stop... I think they should have that in MA too.... not that I don't like driving through like normal, but I think it just makes much more sense....

young-nyc · 15th July 2002, 20:10

Quote:

Originally posted by tfung
I actually like how they work the EZ pass in NY... where they have gates that open once you stop... I think they should have that in MA too.... not that I don't like driving through like normal, but I think it just makes much more sense....

that's right NYC is the best place to be =P

KRM · 15th July 2002, 20:53

Quote:

Originally posted by young-nyc

that's right NYC is the best place to be =P

not for those potholes and dips in the city streets it isn't, and those crazy drivers

X5Boston · 17th July 2002, 23:06

Quick update, it appears that many "OBEY TOLL SPEED LIMIT" signs have been popping up. Does seem like a wider enforcement (*** COUGH... EXTORTION.... COUGH ***) campaign is underway.

I will get in contact with my friend to see how much he was fined.

JFB · 18th July 2002, 00:03

This may be a little bit OT, but can't those EZ passes be used to:

identify your car
the time you arrived at each toll booth
compute the elapsed time
divide that time by the distance between the toll booths
compute your average speed

If your average speed exceeds the posted limit why can't the state send you a speeding ticket?

Marcelo · 18th July 2002, 01:44

JFB, you're now into something here:

I was told just last week, when I drove to Portugal (I do that quite often, only 35 km away from where I live) to be careful, since the smokeys there are now at the tolls, they are controlling the time you entered the highway and the time elapsed when exiting. A simple math and you're facing a speed ticket, how would you explain the 200 km/h average? Seems to me a very easy way to get caught...
Marcelo

X5Boston · 18th July 2002, 02:04

Quote:

Originally posted by JFB
This may be a little bit OT, but can't those EZ passes be used to:list=1][*]identify your car[*]the time you arrived at each toll booth[*]compute the elapsed time[*]divide that time by the distance between the toll booths[*]compute your average speed[/list]If your average speed exceeds the posted limit why can't the state send you a speeding ticket?

I remember reading that it was considered in many states. The proposals were all turned down for the reason that coordinating all the agencies would be too difficult. I call BS though. My guess is the politicians and officials realized that none of them drove the speed limit either. To create such a system would mean they, along with thousands of others, would be flooded with citations. Soon people will begin chucking away their transponder in favor of good ole cash again. that means billions spent on the infrustructure would become useless and there would be in increase in traffic and the need to hire toll collectors.

I'll see if I can find the articles I've read to provide something more solid.