People living in New Orleans East said big trucks are causing bigger problems by turning their neighborhoods into makeshift truck stops, and they’ve had enough.
Residents are now demanding action from elected officials, but truckers said it is solely not their fault.
Chairman of the New Orleans East Task Force Commelita McKee said, “I don’t want that on my street, and I don’t want that on your street.”
Tuesday afternoon, an 18-wheeler parked on Lacombe street not only blocked a sidewalk and frustrated neighbors, it broke the law.
“It loosen that cement that’s already being buckled by age and tree limbs, and then you have some two-ton truck or heavier that’s been parking there,” said McKee.
Illegally parked 18-wheelers have become a common sight across New Orleans East, with big rigs lining streets and sitting in vacant lots.
“We just want the truckers to abide by the current laws,” said McKee.
According to the current law, it is unlawful to park or store large or oversized trucks and trailers in residential districts.
Truck driver Dejon Smith said they’re aware of the law, but the harsh reality is they often don’t have a choice.
“I’m coming from Mississippi, and I’m glad that I made it here because I was running out of time. I was going to have to park on the side of the road,” said Smith.
Smith has been driving trucks for five years, detailing truckers can only drive 11 hours before they must rest. He said, because New Orleans do not not have as many truck stops as other cities, they end up in those areas.
“I think they need to add two more truck stops so more truckers could have spaces to park,” said Smith.
New Orleans East residents said they hear the truckers and wish there were places for them, but those places aren’t in their neighborhoods.
“We want them to be able to do their business, but until the laws are changed we cannot allow you to park a drop a trailer anywhere,” said McKee.
Both McKee and the trucker agreed it is also a safety hazard for them to be parking on the side of the roads and in neighborhoods.
They said they’re hoping something can be done to give them a happy medium.
READ MORE:Big rigs causing big problems in New Orleans East, truckers say it’s not their fault
