15 Apr 08 Trucks could lose parking spaces of Colusa roads

Potholes and public safety concerns may keep large, commercial trucks from parking within the Colusa city limits.

A new traffic ordinance, introduced to the City Council on Tuesday following a public hearing, would make commercial truck parking on Colusa city streets against the law.

No one representing the truckers was present for the hearing.

“I have to assume that the trucking community must approve of this draft, or they would be here to say so,” said Councilwoman Donna Critchfield.

Councilwoman Kay Hosmer said she had received two phone calls on Tuesday from drivers concerned about the financial impact the ordinance may have on customers.

“Someone is going to get hurt,” Colusa resident Pay Myers told the council. “The trucks parked on Tenth Street are dangerous and it’s only a matter of time before we have a horrible accident.”

The new law would restrict any vehicle 8 feet high or more and any that weighs more than 10,000 pounds (gross vehicle weight) from parking along city truck routes on Market, Main, 10th, Bridge and Fr mont streets, and within 100 feet of any intersection.

Commercial vehicles have already been banned from residential neighborhoods.

“The main fact is this is a real safety issue,” said Mayor Robert MacKaben. “Large trucks parked around school zones and intersections are very dangerous. Other drivers can’t see around them.”

Councilman John Rogers said commercial trucks also damage city streets.

“Citizens shouldn’t have to pay for the significant damage to our curbs and gutters,” he said. “This is about public safety and street damage.”

City Police Chief Lyle Montgomery said the station routinely receives complaints about near-miss traffic collisions because drivers could not see around a commercial vehicle.

City Manager Robert Hickey said trucks would still be able to load and unload shipments, but truckers would no longer be able to keep the truck on the street overnight.

Colusa resident Ben Felt told the council that local businessman Ed Hulbert would provide space for commercial truck parking at Colusa Industrial Properties for about $75 per month.