Truck enforcement meeting to focus on U.S./Mexico traffic

BETHESDA, Md. (May 9, 2001) — Leaders of North America’s foremost truck safety enforcement group said they will focus on truck and bus safety at the Mexican/U.S. border during a meeting in New Orleans next week.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, comprised of regulators and enforcement officials from Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will begin its annual Spring workshop with a panel of experts who will discuss whether the border is ready to be opened to the free flow of truck traffic, and the extent to which inspectors will be able to manage the increased number of safety inspections.

To comply with the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Bush Administration plans to fully open the border to Mexican truckers Jan. 1, 2002. At present, truck traffic from Mexico is restricted to commercial zones near the border.

The discussion will be moderated by Mike Weir of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

The workshop runs from May 14-17.