Number of speeding tickets on Pike increases

For those of you who drive over the speed limit on the Mass Pike (and most of us do), it may be wise for you to slow down a little.

The Herald reported today that speeding tickets on the Pike between January and March of this year increased by 23 percent from the same period last year. The fines start at $100 and go up from there, so these tickets can be very costly.

At the current rate, there will be more than 48,000 tickets written this year—over 130 per day.

State lawmakers and Pike drivers that the Herald talked to were quick to point out that this is likely just a method for increasing revenue for the state. While it's clear the increase is likely more related to the state's budget crisis than public safety, drivers still should be aware that if they speed on the Pike, there is a stronger likelihood they will be ticketed this year than in the past.