The Editor,
Recently, I was ticketed heading south on Highway 99 near the Steveston exit for driving in the HOV lane. I was not speeding, I was driving with a passenger, and so when I was pulled over by the police - along with many other cars - I was puzzled by the events.
Apparently, there was a sign indicating the lane would shortly be restricted to buses only, and subsequently I noticed the usual sign indicating two-passenger vehicles had been blacked out.
Whatever changes made to the HOV lane were very unclearly marked, otherwise there would not be a line of cars pulled over.
If there is going to be an important change in signs on a congested and fast moving highway, there should be a neon warning sign with flashing lights. Another concern is the potential for accidents occurring if drivers are required to merge to alternate lanes with little notice.
I don't have an issue with paying a ticket if I knowingly ignore signs. However, in this case, it would have been more appropriate to be given a warning, as the changes to lane restrictions were not clearly indicated to the average driver.
Janice Ching Kuei Tung Richmond
