Since MTR reported on the rise of NYC truck traffic in September and wondered what NYCDOT was doing to address it, we’ve learned that NYCDOT’s Office of Freight Mobility is indeed moving forward on several initiatives to manage truck traffic throughout the five boroughs. Here is some of what is being done:

Police pamphlet program: In 2006, NYCDOT and NYPD announced a pilot program to help educate officers on various state and city truck regulations. A pamphlet would be inserted in the summons book listing “safety and operational violations.” The pilot, which began with four precincts, was expanded to all precincts this summer. The glossy brochures not only list violations, but are customized with the local and through truck routes in each police precinct. (You can view a sample pamphlet here.)

Increased communication with NYPD: The number of truck summonses issued by each police precinct is reported in Traffic Stat meetings conducted by NYPD Chief of Transportation Michael Scagnelli. Chief Scagnelli, a firm enforcer of traffic safety, challenges precincts to improve the number of violations issued for various traffic infractions, including trucks driving off-route. NYCDOT also sends a representative to the meetings to respond to officers’ concerns like signage and construction.

Improved coordination with industry and agencies: DOT has begun to work more closely with other industries including trucking (Teamsters) and construction  (General Contractors Association).  Over the summer, the DOT coordinated with the State DOT, the NYPD, and others in a “Truck Summit.”

Truck route maps: the Office is working to revise its 2007 New York City Truck Route Map to include low bridge clearance, and recently added clearance information to its website. Trucks hitting bridges cause significant damage, traffic delays, and taxpayer dollars to repair. DOT is also expanding outreach efforts and distributing maps at numerous locations to make them available to various stakeholders in the commercial industry. The Office’s website now offers “one stop shopping” for all truck related inquiries and information.

Signage: Using surveys as a tool, the NYCDOT is assessing existing truck route signage in an effort to standardize and improve truck signage throughout the boroughs. As part of a pilot project, they are upgradingtruck signage in Hunts Point early next year.

311 system: Those interested in finding out about truck permits and other truck-related inquires can call 311, which now directs callers to the appropriate contact person within NYCDOT.

Traffic calming: Other offices in NYCDOT are working on a “design manual” that will re-evaluate street design. Though this is not specifically geared towards truck travel, traffic calming enhancements and improvements can have a large impact on where and how trucks travel within the city.