Truckers Cause Gridlock on Streets Near Downtown L.A. (KTLA-TV / November 13, 2009)
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LOS ANGELES -- Dozens of truckers are intentionally creating gridlock on Southern California freeways to protest container fees being assessed against independent truckers as part of the ports' Clean Truck program.
An estimated 100 trucks snarled traffic along the northbound Long Beach (710) freeway north of the San Diego (405) freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol. The CHP says it was not told in advance about the protest.
The caravan of trucks drove from the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports to City Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Once they arrived, drivers honked their horns as protesters waved signed along Spring Street, snarling traffic for blocks.
The National Port Drivers Association says the container fees are hurting independent truckers' income and threatening their livelihood.
The rule, to be implemented Jan. 1, is part of an effort to reduce diesel emission and improve California's air quality.
Anthony Patchett, a spokesman for the truckers, says independent truckers should get more time to comply because they can't afford to buy newer, cleaner trucks during the tough economy.
A port of Los Angeles spokesman said more than $130 million in state and federal funding is available to help the truckers buy newer models.
The CHP says motorists should avoid the freeways near downtown Los Angeles as the convoy heads back to the port.
An estimated 100 trucks snarled traffic along the northbound Long Beach (710) freeway north of the San Diego (405) freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol. The CHP says it was not told in advance about the protest.
The caravan of trucks drove from the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports to City Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Once they arrived, drivers honked their horns as protesters waved signed along Spring Street, snarling traffic for blocks.
The National Port Drivers Association says the container fees are hurting independent truckers' income and threatening their livelihood.
The rule, to be implemented Jan. 1, is part of an effort to reduce diesel emission and improve California's air quality.
Anthony Patchett, a spokesman for the truckers, says independent truckers should get more time to comply because they can't afford to buy newer, cleaner trucks during the tough economy.
A port of Los Angeles spokesman said more than $130 million in state and federal funding is available to help the truckers buy newer models.
The CHP says motorists should avoid the freeways near downtown Los Angeles as the convoy heads back to the port.
