One More Attempt...

After reading VDOT's proposal to change the 2hr rest area parking time limit to "no overnight parking" didn't surprise me...but was irritating to say the least. Why is Virginia determined to act in a counter-productive direction towards the safe operation of CMV's. If the Commonwealth Transportation Board actually adopts this proposal...we will aggressively pursue, through our petition, for FMCSA to initiate a proceeding under 49 CFR 350.215 to remove Virginia's eligibility for MCSAP federal funding. The adoption of "no overnight parking" from the 2hr parking time limit only demonstrates a further restricting of CMV safety...and the very purpose of MCSAP is to establish programs to improve motor carrier, CMV and driver safety to support a safe and efficient transportation system.

Following is the final e-mail I'm sending to Sec. of Trans. Pierce Homer...who has yet to return any of my calls. Please join me while the iron's hot...a decision has not yet been finalized...send an e-mail expressing your opinion ~ Contact Form for Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer

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This is one final attempt to urge the board to simply increase the rest area time limit parking to 10hrs. This will bring this policy/law into compliance with FMCSA MCSAP regulations. If the board pursues VDOT's recommendation of "no overnight parking"...we (The American Driver) will be forced to aggressively pursue through petition (49 CFR 350.335(d)) for FMCSA to initiate a proceeding under 49 CFR 350.215 to remove VA's eligibility for MCSAP funding.

This counterproductive action of further restricting parking time limits violates the very purpose of MCSAP (49 CFR 350.103.) Please act in the best interest of the motoring public and CMV safe operations.

Respectfully,
Frederick Schaffner
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One last attempt to express to Virginia to act in the best interest of the motoring public and CMV safety should be made now. Virginia should demonstrate just how serious they're state is towards highway safety and simply raise the parking time limit to at least 10 hours.

If Virginia takes this action of "no overnight parking"...we will be pursuing assistance from all concerned with a phone campaign upon FMCSA. Specific contact names, phone numbers and e-mails will be provided to assist us in getting FMCSA Chief Council to act swiftly with the initiation of a proceeding to remove Virginia's MCSAP federal funding...as well as a full scale boycott effort beyond the effort we are putting forth now.

Stand Up, Speak Out or Accept What Comes!!!
(This never rang truer than right now my brother and sister truckers)

Safe Trails and God Bless,
Frederick (SilverSurfer) Schaffner

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Donna on May 20, 2009 at 9:59pm: Just a way to "weasel" out of this, should have known!. Looking forward for you to post those numbers. I really want to ask them to get to the point! "What is the real reason you are doing this?" If it's to discourage peole from "camping" out, then just exclude CMV's from the law.

Who can I call and ask this question! I want to know....I want them to tell me...."WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO DRIVERS?" This is really getting on my nerves.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jason Cox on May 20, 2009 at 10:02pm: Just sent my e-mail..out..yea Donna it sounds like they are trying to back out or go around...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Frederick Schaffner on May 20, 2009 at 10:23pm: Donna said:
Just a way to "weasel" out of this, should have known!. Looking forward for you to post those numbers. I really want to ask them to get to the point! "What is the real reason you are doing this?" If it's to discourage peole from "camping" out, then just exclude CMV's from the law.

Who can I call and ask this question! I want to know....I want them to tell me...."WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO DRIVERS?" This is really getting on my nerves.

It's not final yet. That's why I put the contact e-mail link above to urge the Commonwealth Transportation Board to not adopt the VDOT's proposal and just raise the parking time limit to 10hrs. If they adopt the "no overnight parking"...that's when I'll be putting up contact names, phone#'s and e-mail info. Thank you for the help.

~SilverSurfer~; ▶ Reply to This