Final decision on VA rest area closures, two-hour limit expected May 20

[SilverSurfer]

Final decision on VA rest area closures, two-hour limit expected May 20

For months now, truckers have been anxiously awaiting the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s final decision on the Virginia Department of Transportation’s proposal to shutter 25 of 41 rest areas in the state.

VDOT Chief of Communications Jeff Caldwell told Land Line on Tuesday, May 19, that the CTB will announce its final decision on Wednesday. The CTB, which establishes the administrative policies for Virginia’s transportation system, has a monthly workshop and meeting scheduled for May 20-21 in Richmond.

Caldwell said the possibility of eliminating the state’s two-hour time limit at rest areas, which is being enforced by the Virginia State Police, is also slated for discussion.

“We will address some of the concerns we heard about truck parking at that presentation. This will pertain to the two-hour rule and the mix of rest areas we would close,” he said.

OOIDA members turned out in full force to a series of 11 public meetings hosted by VDOT around the state on the rest area closure plan and the two-hour limit. Click here to read recent Land Line coverage on the VDOT proposal.

– By Clarissa Kell-Holland, staff writer
[email protected]

(Landline Magazine)

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[SilverSurfer]

I feel it's important to point one thing out...the meetings were opened to public comment about rest area closures, and were protrayed in publishings as such. I don't recall anything ever being presented about these meetings being about the 2hr parking time limit.

Now some may not like me pointing this out...but it's the truth...I'm a trucker...and I'm going to speak my piece.

Now there was a brief period of reporting about the 2 hour parking time limit issue. Although comments did include this issue...my brother delivered his comment up close and personal about not only the rest area closures...but directly about this 2hr parking time limit troopers are using to force truckers to violate HOS reg's and drive tired, and the fact Virginia was violating FMCSA MCSAP regulations in doing so.

I'm one trucker very proud of his brother right now...good job bro...although it did take the filing of a petition to get them to act...it's being addressed now.

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[rebel]

There's nothing wrong with what you said.
I saw the same notices about public meetings you did. They asked for public comment about rest stop closures.
If the public happened to show up and talk about rest area hours - well I guess that would be OK too, we just won't giv'em any ideas.
That's the way gov't meetings are run.
You gotta pay close attention to times, dates, agendas, procedures, etc. and then watch'em real close when it comes time for the final vote.
This goes for locals all the way to D.C.
You guys did all right.
Looks like that final vote might be today....

 

[Larry]

It's amazing what two brother truck drivers can accomplish!

 

[lunachic]

Lets Hope.......I'm sorry but these dealing's are with one stupid, uncaring state with know regaurd for the saftey and welfare of people.

 

[Mike]

It's amazing what two brother truck drivers can accomplish!

This is a combined effort of thousands of truckers, trucking communities (forums, myspace, facebook, etc), and trucking organizations.

Let's hope for a good outcome in this decision.

 

[rebel]

I called VA governor's office this am. to put in my 2 cents.
Ended up at Trans. Sec. Evelyn Shelton's office.
Emphasized loss of their highway funds should they want to continue this action.
I mentioned you and your brother, Fred.
Hope you don't mind.

 

[SilverSurfer]

I called VA governor's office this am. to put in my 2 cents.
Ended up at Trans. Sec. Evelyn Shelton's office.
Emphasized loss of their highway funds should they want to continue this action.
I mentioned you and your brother, Fred.
Hope you don't mind.

Not at all. Ms. Shelton and I have had many conversations...as well as Melony Roberts. They are the assistants/secretaries of Sec. of Trans. Pierce Homer, who is the chairman of the Commonwealth Transportation Board. He's a tough one to open a dialogue with...won't return phone calls. I guess if ya want his attention...send a well constructed petition to FMCSA. In case ya haven't noticed...Virginia's stance on this bs 2hr rule went from "get a room" to "we'll be taking a look at it" to "the possibility of eliminating it." That final stance comes 4 days after Jack Kostelnik (FMCSA Chief Council) contacted the state of Virginia about this parking time limit.

They have only two choices...change it to a minimum of 10hr parking time limit or eliminating it. Anything short of that will only result in the initiation of a proceeding under 350.215. Thanks for taking a little time and making a call.

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[SilverSurfer]

It's amazing what two brother truck drivers can accomplish!

Just to clarify so there's no mistake about what we have been focusing on...an will accomplish. I can already see the confusion occurring.

My brother and I have been focused on the 2hr parking time limit bs...fighting to bring an end to troopers forcing truckers to violate HOS reg's and drive tired. We are also involved with keeping these rest area parking areas open as well...but are solely focused at the moment on the 2hr rule. And I can say this with much confidence...it has been the two of us with the support of a few others that has been directly dealing with this 2hr rule.

We're confident the efforts of 10's of thousands of truckers and the trucking communities to keep the rest areas open will succeed in keeping a selected few open...but we know Virginia will plan on closing some of 'em down. I, for one, am curious to see how this will play out.

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[Larry]

This is a combined effort of thousands of truckers, trucking communities (forums, myspace, facebook, etc), and trucking organizations.

Let's hope for a good outcome in this decision.

Oh I know this!

 

[Beechvtail]

I am boycotting VA until they allow proper parking rights of all.

 

[SilverSurfer]

I am boycotting VA until they allow proper parking rights of all.

Another joins the growing force.

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