Truck traffic through Acton concerns council, residents

The number of large trucks traveling the main roads of Acton is concerning many people, including Mayor Rick Bonnette, who brought the issue up at a recent council meeting. "I'm wondering if they're trying to bypass the weigh scales (on Hwy 401)," said the mayor, who has also discussed the issue with the three Acton councillors. "I know in the past we've had a problem with this." He pointed out the difficulties a large truck has traversing the community with "likely the narrowest downtown street in southern Ontario". In a way to resolve the issue, Bonnette asked Director of Engineering, Public Works and Building Rick Henry to request the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to step up enforcement of the trucks. Henry agreed to do that. "I think the word will get out that if you're want to come through Acton, you're going to be inspected," Bonnette said, who singled out gravel trucks as the offenders. "It is upsetting. It's almost intolerable with a lot of the trucks coming through town like that," said Bonnette. "Try turning a 53-foot trailer in downtown Acton and you'll find it doesn't fit so easily," agreed Wards 1 and 2 Regional Councillor Clark Somerville, adding the problem is also occurring on Trafalgar Rd. with westbound trucks-- such as Toronto garbage trucks-- avoiding the Hwy. 401 weigh scales. Acton Councillor Mike O'Leary also requested a "local truck deliveries only" sign be posted at the Wallace Ave. and Young St. intersection to discourage truck traffic on Wallace.