Come July 1, the Commerce Police Department may target tractor-trailer rigs for safety violations.
Commerce’s government is considering the creation of a “motor carrier compliance unit” focusing on heavy trucks, particularly those that come through the downtown, but also trucks traveling on U.S. 441 and Interstate 85. The move is seen as a means of directing more traffic to the bypass and slowing truck traffic in the downtown.
City Manager Clarence Bryant briefed the council during Monday night’s work session on discussions with the police department about creating the special unit. He emphasized that it would require no additional manpower, but would cost $25,000 to $30,000 for equipment and a truck to haul it.
The unit would enforce “DOT” rules, such as weight restrictions.
No decision has been made, Bryant told the council.
“I told the group to keep getting data. Sometimes you can’t afford to buy a dress on sale,” he remarked, referencing the city’s budget challenges. He added that he would take a close look at the city’s financial picture after the first of the year.
If implemented, the unit would start in July with the new budget year. But before then, the city must get the blessings of the state government and have an officer or officers trained and certified.
Bryant pointed out that officers “don’t have to have a reason to pull a truck over” and that “there is hardly a truck you stop that you don’t write a ticket for.”
Ticket revenue is certainly part of the equation, and Bryant told the council that the “cost and revenue relationship” for such a unit is “favorable.”
The CITY, COUNTY Officials shoud take a pay cut for the extra revenue needed. Offer New Businesses a Incentive to move here, Tax Break, Etc.
GIVE THE TRUCKERS A BREAK! THEY HAVE BEEN BEAT ON ENOUGH BY EVERY STATE IN THE COUNTRY! NOW THE CITYS ARE AFTER THEM....LEAVE THEM ALONE! THEY HAVE A JOB TO DO JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! YOU WOULDNT HAVE THE PAPER TO WIPE YOUR ???? WITHOUT THEM........GOOD LUCK GUYS!
twice a day. From what I see, the MCCD has it covered.
On any given day there are 2-4 MCCD officers on the bypass.
Why on earth does the City of Commerce feel the need to
become "MCCD officers" other than for revenue? As you can
see in the responses above there is a great deal that goes
with inspecting a truck/bus. And do they realize that school
buses fall into this category also? Are they truly looking
at the big picture or are they just looking at a money maker?
I personally think it would be wise to just let the MCCD
do there job and the Commerce Police Dept do there job.
And if you feel you need help with trucks, etc. do like
"Kevin" said and pick up the phone and call the MCCD and
I'm sure they will be glad to help.
They admitted that they would need no reason to stop a commercial vehicle...harassment in my opinion. If the driver of a commercial vehicle is driving in a manner that could cause harm to other motorists, then by all means, perform a traffic stop and saftey inspection. If not, let the commercial drivers continue to carry out their job. They don't go out of their way to interfere with the work of a police officer "for no reason", so why go after them?
with Banks County when they learned they could not
annex Banks Crossing. It also appears that now the
city has a desire to suppliment that lost tax
revenue with fines. There is a simple solution, DO NOT
DRIVE THRU COMMERCE. This would also mean do not shop,
spend money, or use business's located in Commerce.
Um, a boycott sounds really nice, however I've been
doing this for years. Besides, a railroad looks extremely hedious running straight thru the town.
Commerce, along with corrupt Jackson County should be
disbanded as a government.