Border Area to Get 120 New Customs Inspectors

The U.S. Customs Service says it plans to place an additional 120 inspectors along the California-Mexico border, but authorities say little immediate relief is in sight to alleviate the frustrating traffic delays that plague the busy crossings.

The new hires--representing an increase of more than one-third of the inspection staff here--are not expected to be posted to the border area until almost next spring, customs officials said, after the busy holiday season that usually brings some of the biggest traffic jams.

The congestion in the lanes of traffic leading to San Diego, Calexico and other U.S. border cities is a major irritant for travelers and businesses on both sides of the border.