Toll road signs; Jim Wright memory
Toll road signs
If I wanted an example of bureaucratic arrogance, I would be hard-pressed to find one better than the comment attributed to Robert Hinkle of North Texas Express Partners in the Sunday story “Toll lanes or toll-free?”
Confronted with complaints about drivers incurring unintended tolls and specific examples of confusing signage that cause confusion, Hinkle’s only suggestion was that drivers stop eating, drinking and using a phone while trying to navigate the toll system.
That’s sound advice, but I doubt that most unintended tolls are attributable to those practices.
In return for Hinkle’s suggestion, I have a few suggestions for him, some of which are printable in a family newspaper.
One is for Hinkle to realize that the word express is neither the denotative nor connotative equivalent of “toll.” Another is to acknowledge that some signage is too small and too close to the point of no return to allow safe maneuvering to avoid a toll.
Finally, I’d suggest that Hinkle dismount his high horse, acknowledge signage problems and encourage his company to correct them.
Ermis Cliburn, Fort Worth
Hinkle’s comments are demeaning and obtuse.
It has taken us (two mature adults), paying full attention in hopes of finding any signage as to what lane to be in to avoid paying a toll while heading south on U.S. 377 and making a left onto Loop 820 eastbound.
Just a simple suggestion: How about signage before you get to the mouth of the entrance ramps? That would go a long way toward preventing drivers swerving at the last minute to avoid the toll road.
Tom Lupinacci, Arlington
Jim Wright memory
I one time fancied that I wanted to build a replica model cannon from the historic wooden battleship USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides.”
The Navy Department had just the plans I needed, and in model form. But they just would not cooperate with me. I complained to Rep. Jim Wright. He did not answer me directly.
But all of a sudden the Navy was falling all over me with cooperation! Did I want blueprints? Or microfilm? Or Xerox copies? Oh, what the heck, Mr. Burk, we’ll be happy to send you all three.
Rep. Wright got the job done!
Charles H. Burk, Pantego
This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Toll road signs; Jim Wright memory."