The traffic disaster is caused mainly by huge trucks, not passenger cars, and not by local residents. Here is the solution.
Eastbound: Add a new third high-occupancy vehicle lane on Sunrise Highway from Westhampton Beach to the start of County Road 39. Ban all trucks over 10,000 pounds from the HOV and middle lanes along that new three-lane section, and ban all trucks over 10,000 pounds from the left lane on existing County Road 39 all the way to the diner in Southampton in both directions. Left lane on County Road 39 for vehicles under 10,000 pounds only.
Westbound: Ban all trucks over 10,000 pounds from the left lane of County Road 39 its entire length in both directions. Ban all trucks over 10,000 pounds from all residential streets, using technology.
Southampton Town: Ban all trucks over 10,000 pounds from all residential streets, 24 hours a day, except local delivery. Trucks over 10,000 pounds must carry a digital bill of lading that can be scanned remotely.
A new drivers’ app for directions created by Southampton Town required for all commercial vehicles to follow. This will stop trucks from taking shortcuts on Google Maps, driving on residential streets.
Cameras at every intersection monitoring traffic and fining violators to these new rules, along with strict speeding enforcement.
Biking infrastructure: Southampton Town needs safe biking infrastructure. Currently, there is absolutely none and zero advocacy.
Biking is not the solution for everyone, but it is for some if safe, inviting infrastructure existed. Especially for local residents to travel trip distances under 10 miles (i.e.: home to downtown, or village to village).
FYI, 90 percent of all trips in cars are under 10 miles.
Andy Morris
Hampton Bays
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