Presence of law enforcement managing HOV lanes in Houston

HOUSTON – Ask 2:

“Why can’t they force two or more people on managed lanes. I see so many people using the HOV lane and only have one person in the vehicle. They need much better enforcement on these routes.

Answer:

Police here in Houston say they are doing everything they can to enforce the law. Although you may not have seen an officer at the time, Sgt. Stephen Woodard of the Texas Department of Public Safety said officers were working on HOV lanes.

“There have been times when individuals have had dummies in the passenger seat to circumvent this real law. But I can tell you that this is applied. I see it all the time. I live on the west side of Houston and see our police officers always there to make sure the law is followed. But again, this is one of those deals where it’s sometimes difficult to be everywhere at the same time. But what I will say is that we have to start with ourselves. If you know the violation is wrong, don’t do it,” said Sgt. Woodard.

Note: According to the METRO website, single drivers with a toll can pay to use the HOV-HOT lanes outside of peak hours.