Avella Wants Stricter Penalties for Illegal Truck Traffic

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, said he has introduced a bill that would help curb illegal truck traffic in Queens.

The bill would allow law enforcement to seize and initiate forfeiture proceedings on trucks or tractors that weigh more than 10,000 pounds if the driver of the vehicle has been convicted of three violations for deviating from designated truck routes within 18 months.

Residents in many parts of the borough, particularly northeast and central Queens, have complained for years about big rig drivers illegally cruising through their communities.

“One of the most frequent quality of life complaints my office receives is illegal truck traffic,” Avella said. “The incidence of illegal truck traffic has increased dramatically throughout my district and beyond. All too often, these huge trucks and tractor-trailers drive through quiet residential streets with little or no regard for residents, creating traffic congestion, noise, pollution and vibrations that shake the foundation of homes.”

The senator said trucks are legally bound to comply with designated truck routes, but many drivers break the rules and drive through residential communities to save time. His bill would increase penalties for repeat offenders.

“Despite previous legislative efforts that have increased the penalties issued to truck drivers for truck route violations, many trucking companies and drivers disregard these fines as merely the cost of doing business,” Avella said. “Therefore, the only other option is to seize the vehicles of perpetual violators of the truck traffic regulations.”