The Toll Road Division is tasked with facilitating the flow of traffic on the toll roads, as well as provide security for the patrons who utilize them. This includes enforcing all traffic laws, investigating accidents, and being available for motorist assistance when needed.
The Katy Managed Lanes extend 12 miles from SH 6 to IH 610. These are the four lanes in the middle of IH 10 (two in each direction) that replace the single, reversible HOV lane. Precinct 5 is responsible for patrolling and the enforcement of vehicle occupancy during HOV hours.
"Managed lanes" refers to a dual purpose roadway, dedicated to mass transit for both high occupancy vehicles (HOV), and vehicles equipped with a toll tag. METRO vehicles are granted free usage 24-hours a day, and HOVs are granted free usage in both directions of travel during peak times: Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. Single occupancy vehicles (SOV) are allowed to use the lanes 24 hours a day for a toll, which will be charged electronically via an EZ TAG. During HOV hours, drivers will need to choose their designated lane based on the occupancy of their vehicle. In order to maintain an optimum level of service on the facility at all times, toll rates for the managed lanes are based on time of day, vehicle occupancy and axle count.
Precinct 5 is also responsible for patrolling the segment of the Sam Houston Tollway (called West Sam Houston Tollway) which starts at US 290 and runs south to US 59. The Sam Houston Parkway, or Beltway 8, along with the Sam Houston Tollway, is a beltway around the city of Houston, lying entirely within Harris County. The Sam Houston Parkway/Beltway 8 runs mostly along the frontage roads, only using the main lanes where they are free (mostly on the north side of Houston). The main lanes elsewhere are the Sam Houston Tollway, a toll road owned and operated by the Harris County Toll Road Authority.
Opened in 2004, the Westpark Tollway spans approximately 19 miles through Harris and Fort Bend Counties. The Westpark Tollway was the nation's first all-electronic roadway providing a barrier-free drive between Houston's Galleria district and Katy, TX. Drivers wishing to use the Westpark Tollway must have an EZ TAG.
Precinct 5 patrols the Harris County segment of the Westpark Tollway (13 miles), beginning at I-610 on the east and extending to the county line near FM 1464. The Westpark Tollway offers an alternative east-west corridor for West Houston residents with access to US 59 and the Galleria, the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8) and SH 6.
If you are in need of a copy of an accident report click here.
In an effort to help the deaf or hard of hearing better communicate with an officer unfamiliar with sign language, Constable Ted Heap has made available a communication card in PDF format that can help during times of need. Pct 5 Communication Card
