Authorizes the operation of pickup trucks and vans having a gross vehicle rating of 8,000 pounds or less on the special parkways of the state

BILL NUMBER:S6488

Title of bill

An act to amend the transportation law, in relation to authorizing the operation of pickup trucks and vans, having a gross vehicle weight rating of eight thousand pounds or less, upon special parkways

Purpose

Authorizes the operation of pickup trucks and vans having a gross vehicle rating of 8,000 pounds or less on the special parkways of the state.

Summary of provisions

Section One - amends subdivision 5 of section 71 of the transportation law by providing that the commissioner shall not limit or prohibit the travel of any type of call of commercial vehicle that includes pickup trucks and vans having a gross vehicle weight rating of eight thousand pounds or less.

Section Two - this act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

Currently, business that make local deliveries such as auto dealers, florists and tradesmen such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters are forced to use local roads or run the risk of being ticketed and fined for being on parkways that do not all commercially registered vehicles. It is important to note that large SUV's, limousines and small busses are already using these roads.

In this current economic environment, any additional revenue would be a plus for the county, towns would benefit from less traffic on their streets and businesses would benefit from fuel savings and time not lost in traffic.

This legislation would allow for pickup trucks and having having a gross vehicle rating of 8,000 pounds or less to have access to special parkways.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.