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Highway 154 Hazardous Material Restrictions

Written by Scott Hurst

Story Created: Jan 30, 2012 at 7:08 AM PDT

Story Updated: Jan 31, 2012 at 10:05 AM PDT

Santa Barbara County - If you see a truck with one of those bright hazardous materials placards on the back and it's driving on Highway 154, it is likely not supposed to be there.

The California Highway Patrol has announced a ban of all trucks hauling hazardous material on the mountain pass.

The reason for the new restrictions is two-fold. The first priority is the growing concern over safety.

"It is going to reduce those very large trucks from using the roadway unless they have to be there to make a local delivery and of course what we're trying to do is encourage all large vehicles that don't need to use the pass to stay on 101. Its just a much safer route for them and a much safer route for the driving public," said Santa Barbara County Supervisor Doreen Farr.

The second priority is the health of the environment, specifically, Cachuma Lake.

According to Farr, "Not only will the volume of trucks be reduced for all these trucks that carry these placards, but that the drinking water supply for Santa Barbara County is ensured."

Anyone who violates this ban can be charged with a misdemeanor, face a fine of at least five hundred dollars and spend up to 60 days in jail.

Supervisors and law enforcement officials hope the new rules will improve safety of all drivers on the San Marcos Pass.

Many people have called for a full ban on trucks after a run-away big rig crashed into a home in August of 2010, killing a family of three.

State Assemblyman Das Williams is also introducing a new resolution in Sacramento aimed at banning trucks from using Highway 154.

KEY News Reporter Scott Hurst has the story.
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