Comments on: California SUV Ban Hidden in Plain Sight http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:07:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jason http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1983 Jason Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:50:05 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1983 I just sent a letter to the Commissioner of DOT... here it is: Dear Commisioner, I am concerned that the 3 ton weight limit at the Brooklyn Bridge is not being enforced, and therefore compromising the structural longevity of the bridge. I ride over the Brooklyn Bridge daily on my way to work and I always see the following vehicles that exceed the 3 ton limit: Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, Range Rover, GMC Yukon, Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes M Class, Porsche Cayenne S, Dodge Ram 1500 pickup (with optional Hemi), Hummer (H1 and H2). It is important to note that some of the vehicles almost double the 3 ton limit! Is this a concern to the Department of Transportation? And if not, who is resposible for the safety limits on the Brooklyn Bridge because I would like to contact them. Thank you very much for your time. ..................... You can get the link to send your own letter here: http://continuousemergency.blogspot.com/ I just sent a letter to the Commissioner of DOT…

here it is:

Dear Commisioner,
I am concerned that the 3 ton weight limit at the Brooklyn Bridge is not being enforced, and therefore compromising the structural longevity of the bridge.

I ride over the Brooklyn Bridge daily on my way to work and I always see the following vehicles that exceed the 3 ton limit: Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, Range Rover, GMC Yukon, Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes M Class, Porsche Cayenne S, Dodge Ram 1500 pickup (with optional Hemi), Hummer (H1 and H2).

It is important to note that some of the vehicles almost double the 3 ton limit!

Is this a concern to the Department of Transportation? And if not, who is resposible for the safety limits on the Brooklyn Bridge because I would like to contact them.

Thank you very much for your time.

…………………
You can get the link to send your own letter here:
http://continuousemergency.blogspot.com/

]]> By: AD http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1939 AD Wed, 23 Aug 2006 01:02:43 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1939 3 tons = 6,000 lbs. According to the Slate article, the following vehicles are therefore banned from the Brooklyn Bridge: The Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, the Range Rover, the GMC Yukon, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia, the Lincoln Navigator, the Mercedes M Class, the Porsche Cayenne S, and the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup (with optional Hemi), and of course, the Hummer. 3 tons = 6,000 lbs.
According to the Slate article, the following vehicles are therefore banned from the Brooklyn Bridge: The Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, the Range Rover, the GMC Yukon, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia, the Lincoln Navigator, the Mercedes M Class, the Porsche Cayenne S, and the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup (with optional Hemi), and of course, the Hummer.

]]> By: jason http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1935 jason Tue, 22 Aug 2006 23:16:17 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1935 I saw the sign! Brooklyn Bridge Weight Limit 3 Tons I saw the sign!
Brooklyn Bridge Weight Limit 3 Tons

]]> By: The Lowly Pedestrian http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1925 The Lowly Pedestrian Tue, 22 Aug 2006 20:43:28 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1925 Part of the reason there is a huge truss on the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side is because the Brooklyn Bridge had to be retro-fitted in the late 90s because too many larger vehicles were using it (the average weight of.) Does anyone know if the truss was put in there in order to allow heavier vehicles to technically use the bridge? Clarence Part of the reason there is a huge truss on the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side is because the Brooklyn Bridge had to be retro-fitted in the late 90s because too many larger vehicles were using it (the average weight of.)

Does anyone know if the truss was put in there in order to allow heavier vehicles to technically use the bridge?

Clarence

]]> By: Anon http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1922 Anon Tue, 22 Aug 2006 19:07:25 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1922 Someone should start taking photos of big SUVs crossing the bridge, including the license plates, and post online and send to the tabloids, the DOT, and the NYPD. Maybe something something could come of it. Someone should start taking photos of big SUVs crossing the bridge, including the license plates, and post online and send to the tabloids, the DOT, and the NYPD. Maybe something something could come of it.

]]> By: Glenn http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1921 Glenn Tue, 22 Aug 2006 18:58:23 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1921 Just scanning for stuff on the NY DMV site. People with ordinary Class D licenses can now drive any vehicle up to 26,000 lbs. <blockquote>Under a NYS law that took effect on July 26, 2005, the DMV will eliminate the Non-CDL Class C license. In addition, the gross vehicle weight rating and gross vehicle combination weight rating of vehicles that a driver can operate with a Class D license has increased. A driver with a Class D license can now operate a passenger vehicle, a limited use automobile, or: A truck with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less. (Before, a Class D driver could only operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 18,000 lbs. or less.).</blockquote> That's insane. Just scanning for stuff on the NY DMV site. People with ordinary Class D licenses can now drive any vehicle up to 26,000 lbs.

Under a NYS law that took effect on July 26, 2005, the DMV will eliminate the Non-CDL Class C license. In addition, the gross vehicle weight rating and gross vehicle combination weight rating of vehicles that a driver can operate with a Class D license has increased.

A driver with a Class D license can now operate a passenger vehicle, a limited use automobile, or:

A truck with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less. (Before, a Class D driver could only operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 18,000 lbs. or less.).

That’s insane.

]]> By: Stephen Gross http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1920 Stephen Gross Tue, 22 Aug 2006 18:57:51 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1920 I remember reading the Slate article when it came out. I was, at the time at least, really excited that there was a law on the books that would theoretically limit the profusion of large SUVs. I had hoped that, owing to Slate's coverage, the law might be enforced. Has it been? Did California decide to make good on enforcement? --Steve (grossreport.blogspot.com) I remember reading the Slate article when it came out. I was, at the time at least, really excited that there was a law on the books that would theoretically limit the profusion of large SUVs. I had hoped that, owing to Slate’s coverage, the law might be enforced. Has it been? Did California decide to make good on enforcement?

–Steve (grossreport.blogspot.com)

]]> By: Matthew http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1919 Matthew Tue, 22 Aug 2006 18:42:52 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1919 Yes, The Brooklyn Bridge does not allow trucks over 3 Tons, which would mean that all those municipal workers would be ass out. The list of technically prohibited vehicles would include: Hummers (maybe not the H3, I'm not sure) GMC Yukons Ford Expeditions/Excursions Chevrolet Suburbans Cadillac Escalades BMW X5 (by a mere 8 pounds!) Would be a great campaign in the press, no? Yes,
The Brooklyn Bridge does not allow trucks over 3 Tons, which would mean that all those municipal workers would be ass out.

The list of technically prohibited vehicles would include:
Hummers (maybe not the H3, I’m not sure)
GMC Yukons
Ford Expeditions/Excursions
Chevrolet Suburbans
Cadillac Escalades
BMW X5 (by a mere 8 pounds!)

Would be a great campaign in the press, no?

]]> By: Jason http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1918 Jason Tue, 22 Aug 2006 18:41:20 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1918 I'll check on the Brooklyn Bridge on my way home tonight- If its visible from the bike lane I'll see it. I’ll check on the Brooklyn Bridge on my way home tonight-
If its visible from the bike lane I’ll see it.

]]> By: Glenn http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1917 Glenn Tue, 22 Aug 2006 18:37:07 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1917 NY seems to care more about "commercial" versus "passenger" more than just weight. But I did find this on the State DMV site: <blockquote>You can get passenger class plates for a light-duty pick-up truck that has an unladen weight of 5,500 lbs. or less. The agency that controls a parkway decides if pick-up trucks with passenger class plates are allowed on the parkway. To make sure you can drive your pick-up truck on a parkway, contact the agency that manages the parkway. Some parking regulations and traffic regulations in New York City depend on the type of vehicle plates on your vehicle. Passenger class plates on your pick-up truck can change how NYC regulations affect you. Contact New York City about their regulations.</blockquote> I looked on the NYC page, but nothing so far... NY seems to care more about “commercial” versus “passenger” more than just weight. But I did find this on the State DMV site:

You can get passenger class plates for a light-duty pick-up truck that has an unladen weight of 5,500 lbs. or less.

The agency that controls a parkway decides if pick-up trucks with passenger class plates are allowed on the parkway. To make sure you can drive your pick-up truck on a parkway, contact the agency that manages the parkway. Some parking regulations and traffic regulations in New York City depend on the type of vehicle plates on your vehicle. Passenger class plates on your pick-up truck can change how NYC regulations affect you. Contact New York City about their regulations.

I looked on the NYC page, but nothing so far…

]]> By: mike http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/comment-page-1/#comment-1915 mike Tue, 22 Aug 2006 18:37:01 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/08/22/california-suv-ban-hidden-in-plain-sight/#comment-1915 I believe the Brooklyn Bridge has a similar limit of 6000 pounds. Can someone verify this? I believe the Brooklyn Bridge has a similar limit of 6000 pounds. Can someone verify this?

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