Andrew Cuomo seeks tougher penalties for bridge strikes by oversized vehicles

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday proposed increased penalties for driving oversized and overweight vehicles that result in bridge strikes that have snarled traffic and damaged roadways on Long Island and in other areas.

There are are 150 bridge strikes a year in New York, costing the state $30 million, Cuomo said.

State Department of Transportation reports have shown Nassau and Suffolk counties trailed only the Westchester-Rockland region in terms of the number of bridge strikes. But DOT said Long Island accounted for the most multiple strikes to the same bridges.

"When unauthorized vehicles violate height and weight restrictions, they not only contribute to the serious traffic problems that Long Islanders experience every day — they put lives at risk,” said Sen. Kevin Thomas (D-Levittown). "Imposing stricter penalties will better convey the seriousness of these violations, and help prevent future accidents from occurring."

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