File photo (image credit - CFJC Today)
TRUCK PILOT

Kamloops Council votes to pause truck route pilot

Nov 26, 2024 | 6:44 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops City Council has voted to delay a truck route pilot that was recently passed in a closed meeting. Councillor Nancy Bepple was opposed to the motion.

In a news release issued Friday (Nov. 1), the City of Kamloops stated the six-month pilot would allow staff to learn the impacts of the possible removal of truck route designations in the downtown core and assess the large trucks and dangerous good routes through the city.

However during the discussion on Tuesday (Nov 26), council stated they may have acted hastily in the decision, and questioned if winter was the correct time for the pilot changes.

“We pause or delay rather the pilot on the trucking routes,” brought forward Councillor Katie Neustaeter. “There has been safety concerns that have come forward, and concern that there wasn’t enough information for the decision that was made. We know that there is a traffic study that is forthcoming, it will be able to speak to the impacts.”

Now paused temporary truck route map (Image credit: City of Kamloops).

“I was the one who brought in the motion for the pilot project,” said Bill Sarai. “I agree with councillor Neustaeter, that winter time isn’t the best time to change a traffic study due to a pilot project.”

The original news release from the city stated that according to traffic counts held in February 2024, the City says Lansdowne Street sees nearly 340 trucks per weekday (190 single-unit and 150 articulated) while Seymour Street sees 150 per weekday (120 single-vehicle and 30 articulated).

The pilot will be brought back before council at a future date for consideration.