Golden: Gerritsen Avenue In Need Of Relief From Dangerous Truck Traffic To Improve Quality Of Life

Brooklyn- State Senator Marty Golden (R-C-I, 22nd District) today is announcing that he will be requesting that the Department of Transportation install "No Truck Traffic Except Local Deliveries" signs along Gerritsen Avenue in respond to numerous concerns from area residents who are fearful of the speed of the trucks and the damage the trucks are causing to the structural integrity of their homes.

Senator Golden noted that the most complaints stem from the area of Avenue U through Nostrand Avenue along Gerritsen Avenue. According to the official truck route guidelines established by the New York City Department of Transportation, Gerritsen Avenue in Brooklyn is not deemed a truck route.

"For too long, truck traffic off of designated truck routes has caused untimely deaths of innocent pedestrians, has greatly destroyed our quality of life, and have in many instances damaged the structural integrity of our homes. I believe that the posting of these regulations are necessary and will go a long way in ensuring that Gerritsen Avenue no longer suffers the consequences of those who violate the truck traffic regulations."

On November 1, 2003, legislation sponsored by Senator Marty Golden became law that increased the punishment for the violation of designated truck routes. The new law provides a stronger and more effective deterrent for keeping trucks off undesignated truck routes. Under the law, the maximum fine for a first violation will increase from $100 to $500; while the maximum fine for repeat offenders will be raised from $300 to $2,000. In addition, drivers who violate the law will have points added to their driving record.

Under the previous law, the maximum fine for violating a designated truck route was $100. Officials have found that this penalty didn't serve as an effective deterrent in keeping truck traffic from residential roadways, and was often 'written off' by the violator as a cost of doing business when time is critical.