In the face of ever-worsening congestion, lawmakers in Los Angeles are considering bringing back a daytime ban on trucking traffic first instituted when the city hosted the Olympics in 1984. While the ban would be a cost-efficient way to help traffic flow, it could adversely affect the trucking industry and local businesses.
The new proposed ban, advanced by Riverside city council member Steve Adams, would force large, long-haul trucks to operate during evening hours; short-haul delivery vehicles could apply for a permit to operate during the day. Adams said that this would ease congestion for average motorists and allow long-haul drivers to travel further on each shift.
Representatives from the trucking industry have spoken out against the ban, saying it would severely limit their schedules and ultimately hurt business. At the same time, local businesses would have to adjust their staffing accordingly to handle off-peak deliveries, a potentially costly shift.
The original trucking ban was enacted as temporary traffic control during the 1984 Summer Olympics. Trucks were restricted from using freeways during peak hours, but the city also temporarily lifted restrictions on deliveries and pickups before 7 a.m.
Statistics from the Olympic ban indicate that it was a success, as truck traffic fell 6% overall and more than 15% on select freeways. In total, during the two-week period, truck-related accidents dropped off 58%.
