Council adopts ban on large trucks on parts of Sand Hill Road after residents raise repair concerns

Council approved Ordinance 26-06 on July 6 to prohibit vehicles with more than six wheels from using stretches of Sand Hill Road between U.S. 178 and U.S. 78.

The measure grew out of complaints from residents about heavy commercial traffic damaging local roads. At the public hearing, resident David Provenzano asked whether the ordinance’s reference to “more than six wheels” would include dually pickup trucks or only larger commercial vehicles. County staff replied that the restriction is intended to apply to larger commercial vehicles—dump trucks and tractor-trailers—so that residents’ regular pickups would not be covered.

Clifton Larry, who lives on Sand Hill Road, asked what the county’s plan is to repair existing damage. County staff and Administrator Ward said the restriction was coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and that the state has committed to repairs for the state-owned portions of the corridor. Ward noted council previously approved $250,000 in county funds to add stone and shore up a county-maintained portion of the roadway and said additional work would be coordinated with the state’s district administrators.

Council members also asked about impacts on local businesses and haul routes. Staff said they had spoken with the one business on that road and that access for residents and smaller delivery vehicles would remain possible; the ordinance is aimed at larger commercial traffic. Council recorded the vote as six in favor, one absent.

The ordinance takes effect according to the published code-adoption schedule; staff said they will follow up with the public on the precise definitions used and enforcement details.

The council moved on to other business after the vote.