Ban on Heavy Trucks Opposed

Rancho Palos Verdes has protested the emergency ban aimed at heavy trucks enacted by neighboring Palos Verdes Estates, contending that it could result in motorists receiving citations for operating such vehicles as pickup trucks, motor homes and limousines, which exceed the 6,000-pound weight limit.

Mayor Jacki Bacharach said “our residents are affected” because the ban applies to through traffic on major streets, such as Palos Verdes Drive West, which serve the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Palos Verdes Estates officials, however, said their emergency ordinance, passed July 25, is aimed at large, dirt-hauling trucks--many from construction sites in Rancho Palos Verdes--and would not be applied to private vehicles such as pickups or motor homes.

“We’re looking at those that weigh 80,000 pounds, not 6,000 or 7,000 pounds,” said Police Chief Gary Johansen. He said 6,000 pounds was set for the limit because the state Vehicle Code allows cities to cite trucks over that weight.

Bacharach said she wants the Palos Verdes Estates council to postpone final adoption of a permanent truck ban on Tuesday. The measure would supplant the six-week emergency measure now in effect. “We want to sit down a talk about it,” she said.

Palos Verdes Estates Mayor Ruth Gralow said the ordinance “needs clarification” and may be amended to apply to heavy trucks. Gralow said the city is concerned about truck safety and potential roadway damage from heavily loaded trucks.