Trucking interests are expressing their strong disapproval of a recent legislative proposal in the New Jersey General Assembly. This proposed legislation aims to restrict most trucks from utilizing the left-hand lane on highways that have two lanes of travel in the same direction. The New Jersey Motor Truck Association’s executive director, Gail Toth, and the executive director of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, Eric DeGesero, jointly issued a statement criticizing the bill, known as Assembly Bill A-4470.
According to Toth and DeGesero, if this bill were to become law, it would have detrimental effects on the traffic and safety conditions of New Jersey’s major roadways. They argue that the proposed legislation would significantly impede the smooth flow of traffic for trucks, potentially leading to congestion and other related issues. They fear that such restrictions would create a “traffic and safety nightmare” throughout the state.
The trucking interests’ statement underscores their concerns about the potential negative consequences of the legislation. By highlighting the adverse impact on traffic flow and overall safety, they aim to emphasize their strong opposition to Assembly Bill A-4470.
Currently, existing legislation prohibits trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or more from using the farthest left-hand lane if there are three or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. However, a new bill, A-4470, has been proposed by Assemblyman Joe Egan (D-Middlesex) in New Jersey to amend this law. According to a statement from Gail Toth and Eric DeGesero, the executive directors of the New Jersey Motor Truck Association and the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, respectively, A-4470 aims to restrict trucks on highways with two lanes in the same direction.
Under this proposed bill, all trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or more would be required to use the right lane exclusively. This restriction would apply to any vehicle of the size of a Ford F-350 or larger, as mentioned in the statement by Toth and DeGesero. However, certain exceptions would be made for specific circumstances. Truck drivers preparing for a left turn, those entering or exiting the roadway from the left, and those responding to emergency situations would be exempted from this restriction.
In addition to the lane restrictions, A-4470 also proposes doubling the fines imposed on trucks found traveling in the left-most lanes. The fines would range from $200 to $600, effectively acting as a stronger deterrent against trucks violating the lane restrictions.
This bill represents an effort to modify the current regulations regarding truck lane usage and impose stricter measures to regulate truck traffic on New Jersey’s highways.
“If enacted, this bill will needlessly delay the movement of goods,” said Toth and DeGesero. “Of far greater concern is the safety nightmare this will cause merging onto highways and entering and exiting businesses.”
The two said the National Association of Motorists opposed the bill in the Assembly Transportation Committee.
“According to Choose New Jersey, ‘New Jersey is one of the world’s fastest-growing hubs for logistics and distribution.’ It is not possible to both be a ‘hub for logistics and distribution’ and hate trucks,” said the statement from Toth and DeGesero.
The two also said Port Newark is now the busiest port in the United States and one of the state’s largest employers. This legislation will encourage shippers to look elsewhere, they added.
The two associations urged members of the General Assembly to vote no on A-4470. It is to be considered Thursday and has no companion bill in the Senate.
