By Linda Brill, King 5 News
MARYSVILLE, Wash. — In Snohomish County, and north along I-5, the Washington State Patrol has a new holiday speed trap.
It’s aimed at shoppers who are speeding to the mall.
Monday morning, the State Patrol put a plane in the sky to catch holiday speeders near the Premium Outlet Mall at Tulalip.
The pilot measures special markers along Interstate 5, then checks speeds using a stop watch.
With eyes in the air, he radios to troopers on the ground.
On the first day of speed shopping patrol, one trooper nailed a driver going 85 in a 60 mile an hour zone.
The State Patrol says nearly half of the speeders in November and December admit they’re speeding to shop.
“Obviously, holiday shopping is frustrating. It’s a mad dash in and out of stores. We would urge people to be calm and collected as they are driving down the road.” said Trooper Mark Francis.
The special shopping speed trap is extended from Marysville, up through Skagit and Whatcom Counties until the end of December.
The State Patrol has a planned holiday emphasis for Thanksgiving all along I-5.