SAN DIEGO–Supervisors Greg Cox and Dianne Jacob are fighting efforts by special interests that are proposing federal legislation to increase size and weight limits for over sized semi-trucks using interstate highways.
SAN DIEGO–Cox and Jacob will ask the Board of Supervisors Wednesday to oppose any federal or state legislation that would allow larger trucks on our roadways.
“San Diego motorists have enough to put up with on their commutes without having to deal with oversized, monster trucks barreling down our already congested freeways,” said Supervisor Cox.
“We cannot accept the greater risks to motorist safety, and we cannot afford the increased road maintenance costs that larger trucks would create,” added Supervisor Jacob.
The Safe Efficient Transportation Act (SETA) would allow 97,000-pound trucks with three trailers on all interstate highways, putting motorists at risk and further damaging our roadways beyond reasonable wear and tear.
The Supervisors are asking the Board to adopt a position in opposition to SETA or any legislation that seeks to increase truck size or weight limits. They are also asking the Board to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to include opposition to any state or federal legislative efforts that would increase truck size and weight limits on roadways in the County’s Legislative Program.
Allowing for bigger and heavier trucks on our state and local infrastructure would accelerate the deterioration of our existing transportation system. Currently, state and local governments are finding it difficult to adequately fund road maintenance and financial indicators are showing that it may get even worse.
SETA is also being opposed by a diverse coalition including the American Automobile Association (AAA), The National Association of Counties (NACo), the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and the California State Sheriff’s Association (CSSA), among many other national and local agencies.
