Traffic initiative qualifies for ballot

OLYMPIA – An initiative designed to ease traffic congestion has qualified for the Washington’s November ballot.

Secretary of State Sam Reed said Friday that Initiative 985, sponsored by initiative activist Tim Eyman, collected enough valid voter signatures to win a spot on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.

It would create a traffic congestion relief fund by tapping car sales taxes, revenues from red-light-camera tickets, and the money set aside for art on transportation projects.

The initiative also would require cities to synchronize traffic signals and open car pool lanes outside rush hours.

Next, Reed’s office will check petition signatures for two other measures – dealing with assisted suicide and certification of long-term care aides – to see if they will qualify.