Pa. Turnpike To Crack Down On Speeding Through EZ Pass Lanes
By Diana Rocco
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., (CBS) -- EZ Pass has saved countless on-the-go drivers time at the tolls.
But speeding through toll lanes has become all too common an occurrence.
Toll collector Eli Weeks says it's something he deals with every day.
"As collectors that's part of the job, you have to cross the lanes. It's just, it's crazy how quick they come through, it's almost like we're not even there," said toll collector Eli Weeks.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has now installed digital speed signs to show drivers exactly how fast they're going.
"The issue of safety is paramount," said Carl DeFebo of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. "There are people working, there's traffic merging, this is not the place where you want to go 25 mph."
The posted speed limit is 5 mph.
But Eyewitness News watched for a few minutes and clocked drivers pulling through at speeds of up to 30 mph and more.
"It's a hazard for us, it's a hazard for other drivers," said Weeks.
For the security of the toll collectors, a number of safety measures are already in place. In addition to wearing neon vests, bars have been installed in between lanes when they are crossing. They don't push out, they but rather they push up, so the toll collectors are aware of their surroundings at all times.
The turnpike has also installed crossing signs. Warning letters will be issued to speed violators and repeat offenders could have accounts suspended or terminated which has some taking notice.
"I usually slow down going through there because every now and then you see someone walking through there," said driver Mark Russo.
Slowing down is appreciated and required, but Weeks says a smile never hurts either.
"Just a thank you, a hi, a greeting, it would make our day, it makes our job a lot easier," said Weeks.
