SANTA BARBARA – All trucks carrying hazardous materials are now banned from using Highway 154.
The majority of the San Marcos Pass is a two lane road winding through the mountains. There were 245 accidents in 2010 and 2011, 10 of them were commercial vehicle collisions.
Now trucks displaying a hazardous material placard are banned form using the road.
"Not only because of the danger of an accident with trucks carrying those types of hazardous materials with other vehicles on the pass but because of our drinking water supply for our county residents that is in Lake Cachuma," said Supervisor Doreen Farr.
One of the criteria to banning the trucks is if the roadway is near a public water source.
"The California Highway Patrol began this process in December of 2010 when we received a request from the County of Santa Barbara," said CHP Assistant Chief Scott Howland at the press conference. "With today's announcement, the hazardous material restriction of State Route 154 is in full effect."
There is an exception to the rule. Trucks using the 154 for local deliveries will be allowed but any truck driver just passing through will face misdemeanor charges.
The fine can be $500 and up to 60 days in jail. For a first offense with penalty enhancements, it could go as high as $1,900.
"It's just a great day to know that we've been able to take a step that the community is relying on us to take which is to increase their safety on the roadway traveling and on the 154," said Supervisor Farr.
