November 9, 2003

CTPAC - ANNUAL WORKSHOP PROPOSAL - ADDENDUM

SUBJECT: Hours of travel
DATE: November 09, 2003
POLICY: Current policy restricts the hours of travel for Multi-vehicle combinations, purple weight vehicles and vehicles with pilot cars.

OBJECTIVE
Traffic safety and delivery times are the main objectives. Opening up travel to all vehicles will allow more flexibility in delivering loads and keep Commerce flowing smoothly. Also it allows loads to move at lower levels of traffic volumes in metro areas. The 3AM program was a good step forward by Caltrans. Authorizing all loads to move 24 hours a day and weekends will reduce traffic congestion, increase traffic safety and allow goods to be delivered.

BACKGROUND
Many years ago it was arbitrarily decided that permit loads should only move when CHP officers were available to enforce permit rules and regulations. Additionally routine traffic enforcement officers were off the road after bars closed between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Commercial CHP officers routinely work Monday - Friday daylight hours. Therefore, large loads should be restricted in travel times. As traffic volumes increased the 3AM program was developed to improve delivery needs.

EXISTING DOCUMENTATION
The 3AM program has worked for years however it has always been confusing to understand by the industry, especially out of state drivers.

CURRENT PRACTICE
The permit is issued with all three boxes checked and the SC3AM accompaniment is required. Many times night travel is allowed with large loads as LA City and County requires them to move between Midnight and 6AM and with limited parking of large loads in a metro area leaving at 3AM doesn't allow enough time. Also on many highways congestion starts at 5AM making the 3AM program out dated.

PROPOSED CHANGES
Start using the 24 / 7-travel program that Caltrans has developed. Eliminate the need of having a set of maps. The permit writers are currently writing the short term restrictions on the permit and writing a short note on the permit "NIGHT AND WEEKEND TRAVEL IS NOT ALLOWED ON RTES XXX (a rubber stamp will eliminate most of the writing)" will not overwork them. Especially since 40-50% of the permits are done on STARS and the applicant should write it on the permit. This statement would only need to be put on the permit if it has a blue or brown route. Caltrans needs to be thinking how programs will work with the new computer system.

Respectfully submitted,

Gregory D. Dineen
Industry Transportation Consultant