MOORPARK : Truck Inspection Efforts Increased

In an effort to discourage truckers from detouring through Moorpark to avoid freeway weigh stations, Ventura County sheriff’s deputies are beefing up their resources for inspecting cargo vehicles in the city.

The Moorpark City Council last week approved a request by deputies to buy a $13,500 set of four truck scales for use in the city.

The new equipment represents the latest step in an effort by deputies and city officials to prevent trucks from traveling California 118 and 23 through downtown Moorpark to avoid inspection at the Conejo Weigh Station on the Ventura Freeway.

At the request of city officials, Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) last year introduced a bill that would give deputies throughout the state the same authority as the California Highway Patrol in conducting truck inspections.

But, while that bill has been pending in the Legislature, deputies have increased their enforcement against trucks carrying excessive loads or committing other safety violations. Deputies and other local police agencies can stop, weigh and inspect trucks if the officers observe a safety violation.

Since last summer, the deputy unit that patrols Moorpark has increased its truck inspection team from one to four officers, according to a staff report by Lt. Geoff Dean.

The enforcement effort may pay off in dollars to Moorpark as well as reduced truck traffic on city streets. Dean’s report shows that during July and August, citations issued to truck drivers netted Moorpark $2,479, representing 43% of the city’s share of traffic fines.