CAMDEN, S.C. — Truck drivers rolling through downtown Camden have been an ongoing problem in the city.
We've told you before how residents and leaders have become growingly frustrated with drivers not following the truck route. Now, the Camden Police Department is preparing to launch offer an expensive lesson to big rigs heading through town limits.
"Starting Friday, we will be issuing tickets for $257 for any trucks that come through," said Sargent Carl Smith with the Camden Police Department.
He says the reason for the hefty tickets is that hundreds of truck drivers aren't following the truck route. "For the past four weeks, I've stopped approximately 225 trucks that have come through our downtown area."
Just during the two-hour period News19 was out filming, 5 tractor trailers were pulled over, three of them at one time.
The truck restrictions are based on axles and weight, so pickup trucks, even those hauling a trailer, are not under those restrictions. 18-wheelers that are making deliveries to stores are fine, but those passing through need to take the bypass.
"We have restaurants there and people out shopping and walking around and with the vibrations, noise, and everything, and it's hard for people to hear what's going on and it's a safety issue, as far as pedestrians crossing," Smith said.
SCDOT will also be installing additional signs warning truck drivers starting next week.
The department will also be cracking down on speeding drivers outside of the downtown area through residential neighborhoods as they have developed a team to work on enforcement.
