Assembly Bill 1361 Signing Makes Truck Ban on State Route 2 Permanent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2009
CONTACT: Michael Tamariz
(916) 319-2044

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today AB 1361, authored by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino and co-authored by Senator Carol Liu, was signed into law by the Governor. The bill, which takes effect immediately, strengthens and makes permanent the truck ban on State Route 2. "I am very glad that the Governor agreed with the residents of La Canada Flintridge and the commuters who use the Angeles Crest Hwy every day,” said Portantino. “There was never a reason for big rigs to use this narrow, steep road that ended in our quite town, AB 1361 will make this highway and our community safer.” In addition to banning commercial vehicles with 3 or more axels, or weighing more than 9,000 pounds, the new law will fine the drivers who ignore the ban at least $1,000 for breaking the law. AB 1361 was introduced in response to a long line of runaway truck accidents in the city of La Canada Flintridge, the most recent of which resulted in an out of control semi-truck crashing into cars and plowing into Flintridge Bookstore, tragically taking the lives of a loving father and his daughter. “Our community paid too high a price to see this bill become law,” added Portantino. “Knowing that we now have a formal and lasting truck ban will put our citizens at ease and is the first step to ensuring we never experience the pain and fear caused by a runaway truck.” With the support and input of local officials and state transportation agencies, navigated AB 1361 through the often slow-moving legislative process and to the Governor’s desk less than three months after it was introduced. “This bill could not have become law without the participation and passion of countless individuals,” concluded Portantino. “I want to thank the Mayor Laura Olhasso and the La Canada Flintridge City Council for their strong advocacy for public safety; as well as the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, Girl Scout Malia Mailes and Senator Liu for helping to craft this legislation. Finally to my staff, whose hard work and dedication moved AB 1361 through the system in record pace -- I'm sure the residents join me in appreciating their hard work.”