Q. There are several RVs and big rigs parked for extended periods of time at the park and ride lot in Irvine near the 5 Freeway at Jeffrey Road. Is Caltrans leasing out space to cover its debt, or is this an enforcement issue?
– Michael Neben, Irvine
A. Honk believes that looking at his tax bill would cover Caltrans’ budget alone.
No, individuals parking at the park and ride lot are not paying any fees to the state, and ideally their vehicles should not be there unless they are commuters.
Nathan Abler, a Caltrans spokesman, stated that park and ride lots are specifically meant for ride-sharing purposes, such as employees in a vanpool or anyone in a carpool arrangement, and are not intended for residential, commercial, or long-term parking.
According to the California Vehicle Code, vehicles can usually be towed after 72 hours in many cases. Additionally, Abler mentioned that the storage of commercial trucks in state park and ride facilities is strictly prohibited.
Caltrans collaborates with the California Highway Patrol to address these violations.
However, the public does not solely rely on Caltrans to address these issues.
“If someone suspects a vehicle is in violation of these ordinances, we suggest they contact their local CHP non-emergency line,” said Abler.
The phone number is posted in the Irvine lot, and individuals can also find the number for the nearest CHP station house through online search.
Orange County has nine park and ride lots overseen by Caltrans, and the CHP serves as the policing agency for these state facilities.
Q. I noticed that for some time on the 5 Freeway through Carlsbad, the lanes have different striping – orange and white. Why is this color pattern used? I assumed that striping is specific to California roads.
– Dennis Crane, Costa Mesa
A. You are correct, Dennis, as even Uncle Sam requires lane markings to be consistent across the country to prevent confusion among motorists.
The orange and white striping was an experimental approach to enhance driver awareness in construction zones after the placement of signs, encouraging them to reduce their speed.
In California’s initial test, two patterns were used: alternating white and orange stripes, and a white stripe with orange borders.
Similar experiments were conducted in Canada, New Zealand, Wisconsin, Texas, and Kentucky. While San Diego County’s orange and white striping was recently removed, this color pattern may appear in other areas as well.
Orange and white striping could potentially become a common sight in construction zones throughout the state, if not nationwide.
“The results look quite promising as well,” said Steve Welborn, a Caltrans spokesman for San Diego County.
To ask Honk questions, reach him at [email protected]. He only responds to published questions. Visit Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk. Follow on Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk
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