Rules Are Fast and Clear for Carpool Lanes

Dear Traffic Talk:

Carpool lanes on the freeways are a good idea.

However, why does Caltrans prohibit regular traffic from using the lanes during off-peak hours?

Arizona has carpool lanes, but the state allows solo motorists to use the lanes in off-peak situations.

David Levine

Chatsworth

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Dear David:

There are several reasons Caltrans restricts the use of carpool lanes 24 hours a day, according to the agency.

First, rush hours last at least three hours each weekday morning and at least four hours in the evenings, said Pat Reid, a spokeswoman for the agency.

Reid said allowing general use of the lanes in the off-peak hours could be confusing to motorists. Law enforcement officials have said enforcing the restrictions would be more difficult with a changing schedule.

Next, carpool lanes are most needed by those riding together when traffic is jammed in the regular lanes.

Reid said that on California freeways, about half of all delays are caused by accidents or other unexpected incidents. The 24-hour carpool restriction provides ride-sharers predictable travel schedules and encourages others to carpool during off-peak hours and on weekends, Reid said.

Finally, since traffic normally is not as heavy during off-peak hours and on weekends, opening the lanes for general use during those times would not really save solo motorists significant time, Reid said.

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Dear Traffic Talk:

Recently, Mason Avenue in Canoga Park was repaved between Saticoy Street and Sherman Way.

At that time the avenue was double-striped all the way, leaving openings only for access to small cross streets.

The problem is that workers did not leave an opening for a legal left turn into the main entrance of the Lucky food store.

Consequently, everybody is making illegal left turns into the store when traveling south on Mason Avenue.

The only alternative is to drive an extra block and make a left turn on Sherman Way, followed by another almost immediate left turn. That maneuver is almost impossible without causing a major traffic jam on a heavily traveled street.

This oversight by the Department of Transportation is forcing many otherwise law-abiding citizens to commit traffic violations in the interest of safety, convenience and common sense.

Patricia Collier

Canoga Park

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Dear Patricia:

There is no need to go farther down Mason Avenue to access the supermarket, according to authorities.

Southbound Mason Avenue at the first driveway turning into the store is marked with a solid double yellow line.

It is legal to cross double solid yellow lines to turn into driveways at residences and businesses, said Ray Wellbaum, an engineer with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

The purpose of double lines is to separate traffic--not to prevent motorists from turning left.

Another way to access the market is to proceed past the first driveway to the beginning of the left-turn pocket and turn into the second driveway, Wellbaum said.

Traffic Talk appears Fridays in The Times Valley Edition. Readers may submit comments and questions about traffic in the Valley to Traffic Talk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited, and no anonymous letters will be accepted. To record your comments, call (818) 772-3303. Fax letters to (818) 772-3385. E-mail questions to [email protected]