Street Beat for Feb. 20

Q: I enjoy your column and appreciate the hard work you do to get the answers for your readers. What steps are taken when a driver who does not have an E-ZPass goes through the toll booth using the E-ZPass of the driver ahead? The toll light turns green when I go through using my E-ZPass, and then the car traveling behind me will go through the toll on my E-ZPass and the light turns yellow. I use the Downtown Expressway every day, and this happens to me on a regular basis. — A Reader

A: Toll-booth bandits? E-ZPass pickpockets? This should not be allowed to happen.

If fact, the Richmond Metropolitan Authority says that it can't.

"It is possible for drivers who do not have an E-ZPass to travel through the toll plaza utilizing the transponder of the motorist behind them, not in front," said Linda McElroy. If you pull up closely behind a vehicle that is waiting at the gate, your E-ZPass can trigger the gate to open, letting both of you through.

That's why E-ZPass users are advised to maintain a following distance of a least one vehicle length at the toll plazas.

About the yellow light: It means that the driver's E-ZPass account has a low balance. Many E-ZPass users have accounts that will automatically charge their credit cards when their balance gets low. But some users prepay in cash, so they in particular need to know when the cash is about to run out.

So when you see that yellow light, it probably means that the driver behind you does have an E-ZPass and that the balance is low, McElroy said. "The first patron in question is not paying the toll for the person behind them."

There are sensors near the gates to track each vehicle, she said. They make sure that there is only one transaction per vehicle, whether it's an E-ZPass charge, a cash payment or a violation. That way, a vehicle cannot be charged twice.

Before you asked this question, I also thought that drivers behind me might be getting through on my E-ZPass. I suspected this because sometimes the stop bar does not come all the way down when a vehicle is following close behind. Now I know it's not the case.

Q: Motorists on Azalea Avenue approaching Chamberlayne Avenue from Brook Road have a choice of four lanes. The right lane is right-turn only. But it is poorly marked by only one sign on a telephone pole about 10 to 15 feet prior to the intersection. I travel this road frequently and have often had to stop for someone in the right lane continuing straight through the intersection. Could the city mark this right-turn-only lane better, perhaps painting it on the road or putting a sign up by the stoplight? Thanks. — Avid Reader Tim

A: Help is on the way.

Richmond's Transportation Engineering Division investigated the area and determined that additional markings and signs are needed, said Sharon North of the Department of Public Works.

"We will prepare work orders and schedule this work accordingly."

Q: I often travel south on Old Hundred Road. As I approach the intersection at Hull Street Road, there is a merge lane coming east on Mill Ridge Parkway. There the signage is clearly marked "yield" on both sides of the road. However, it is usually ignored, which creates an unpleasant surprise and quick maneuvers. Other than being vigilantly on guard, can you suggest a solution? I've tried beeping my horn, but that's just a temporary resolution. — Kathy

A: Other than making them stay after school to read the Virginia Driver's Manual, there's not much I can do about inattentive drivers. But I can run your comments in Street Beat in hopes of waking some of them up.