Council gives first reading to ordinance restricting through-trucks on select residential streets

The West Columbia City Council on a first reading considered an amendment to West Columbia Code §8-2-10 to prohibit commercial and industrial trucks from using certain streets as through routes. The ordinance would add candidate streets for restriction and would not bar trucks from accessing properties where they have legitimate business.

Council members raised specific streets to study, including Hook Avenue, Holland Street, Greenwood Road, Victoria Street, Morningside Drive and Lea Park. Councilman Moy (referenced in the transcript) said some residents have repeatedly complained about cut-through traffic and suggested targeted restrictions. One resident urged the council to consider the 1100 block of Monticello and the lower end of Bachelor Street, saying trucks from an industrial site were “tearing up the road” and driving fast.

Members debated whether restricting a street would simply divert truck traffic onto nearby residential streets. A council member noted truck-navigation systems can reroute vehicles and that prohibiting one corridor could shift traffic to alternatives such as Brown Street or Clapman. Staff said the proposed change is intended to limit through movement while preserving industrial access for businesses that serve local customers.

The item was given first reading with council direction for staff to review the feasibility of proposed streets and to return with recommended language and maps. No final ordinance vote occurred; the measure remains at first reading and will return for further consideration.