City leaders discuss possible limitations for delivery trucks in downtown Columbia

Downtown Columbia traffic can be stressful. If you add a stopped semi-truck in the lane ahead that stress and traffic congestion can grow.

Columbia City leaders met Tuesday night to discuss potential limitations in delivery trucks stopping in downtown streets.

Leaders didn’t pass a policy tonight but instead are asking the parking task force to look at options since they can help decide where delivery trucks can stop, as well as consult with downtown businesses.

Can a semi truck just stop in the middle of the road? That answer is no.

Tony St. Romaine, deputy city manager, told ABC 17 News, “We do have regulations as part of our code enforcement that talk about vehicles obstructing the right-of- way and it’s an issue in the downtown area.”

Tuesday night, city leaders found there is no clear answer because leaders know that businesses do need to have their supplies, and don’t necessarily have a say in when a delivery could be dropped off.

“Our alleyways aren’t big enough, our parking spaces aren’t wide enough to accommodate these big semi trucks that you see in the downtown area,” St. Romaine said.

ABC 17 News spoke with local downtown business owners who said if the city decides to pass a time restriction on delivery trucks, they would be upset because that would mean more money would have to be spent to make sure someone is present to receive the product.

The city said parking enforcement in downtown is only able to monitor parking meters. The Columbia Police Department would be the one to regulate and ticket a semi-truck who is stopped in the wrong spot.