• No Left Lane Means Less Pollution…Huh?

    The Maine Turnpike Authority voted last night to ban trucks from the left lane of the state's three-lane highways, including I-95, as a way to lower pollution. Officials of the Maine Motor Transport Association argued that the truck ban doesn’t make sense, because pollution from a truck traveling in the left lane would be the same as from a truck traveling in a different lane. Trucks rarely travel
    Nov. 20, 2003

    The Maine Turnpike Authority voted last night to ban trucks from the left lane of the state's three-lane highways, including I-95, as a way to lower pollution. Officials of the Maine Motor Transport Association argued that the truck ban doesn’t make sense, because pollution from a truck traveling in the left lane would be the same as from a truck traveling in a different lane.

    Trucks rarely travel in the left lane and for the most part don’t need to be there, turnpike spokesman Dan Paradee said.

    The Authority had originally considered banning all heavy vehicles from the left lane as a way to improve air quality but decided to exempt buses to encourage people to take buses instead of low occupancy cars.

    The ban, which could start as early as this spring, would apply to the state turnpike and I-95 from the New Hampshire border to New York, which falls under the control of the state Department of Transportation.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from News

    Josh Fisher | FleetOwner
    On-highway diesel pump prices sat at $3.775 per gallon, up from June 16’s $3.571 average. While it didn’t see the same price hike, average U.S. gasoline prices also increased by more than 7 cents this week, according to EIA, which tracked the fuel at $3.213.
    Middle East conflict helps fuel pump price surges nationwide. Gas is up to $3.213 per gallon; diesel is $3.775, but analyst doesn’t expect ‘apocalyptic spikes’ to continue.
    Yevheniia Ryzhova | Dreamstime.com
    Why Clear Communication is Key to Retaining Happy, Motivated Drivers
    Drivers want to be seen. Supported. Heard. And they can tell when it’s genuine and when it’s just for show.
    J.B. Poindexter & Co.
    DCBM brand ambulances
    Parent company of work truck upfitting giants Reading Truck and Morgan Olson expands into the emergency vehicle market with the addition of one of North America’s largest ambulance...