Q: Do you know if the HOT Lanes use an electronic flash to identify plates like the red light cameras?
—Marty Martino, Atlanta
A: The Express, or HOT, Lanes video camera uses an LED infrared illumination system, State Road and Tollway Authority spokeswoman Malika Reed Wilkins told Q&A on the News in an email. The system is capable of capturing up to 50 high-quality images per second of license plates on vehicles traveling at speeds of up to 150 mph, day or night, and in adverse weather conditions. A HOT Lanes video camera is triggered when it detects a vehicle that has entered the lane without an active Peach Pass or Cruise Card, she wrote.
Q: Why do we pay taxes?
—Sixth grade, Griffin Middle School, Smyrna
A: The federal and state governments use income taxes to pay for the services it provides to people who live in the United States. Governments provide things such as our armed services, schools, libraries, roads, police and fire departments, parks and prisons. Some local governments provide water and garbage service to their residents. A portion of taxes is used for social programs such as social security and welfare, which help retired people, the elderly and those in low-income situations. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for collecting federal taxes. State taxes go to state governments, but some states don't have state income taxes.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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