Troopers target HOV lanes

The sale of more than 1,300 $50 monthly express lane decals began on Sept. 1. They permit single drivers to use the express lanes on I-15. Since then, two troopers have been added to the force specifically to patrol the express lanes. Nigbur and Easton agreed the two troopers are doing the best they can in the time allowed to improve driver compliance on an already congested I-15 corridor.

Today, officers plan to not only enforce traffic laws in the express lanes, but also to continue educating drivers of existing laws which, Nigbur said, "helps the lanes move more efficiently and safely." He said it is up to the troopers to determine whether tickets are necessary, but certainly some citations will be given. However, officers may decide only to warn drivers misusing express lanes.

Mostly warnings were given to drivers during a similar enforcement blitz in August, along with an educational brochure pointing out the new laws governing express lanes. The purpose, Nigbur said, is to ultimately make the roads safer for drivers.

"Safety is our number one issue," he said. "This is definitely something we want to make safer."

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com