Informer: Troopers have cited 900-plus trucks on bridge

Published 12:31 pm Monday, March 19, 2012

Why are state troopers not doing anything to control the truck traffic over the Interstate 10 bridge. There are more and more trucks going over every day. There are signs clearly stating for them to take I-210.

“Since the Department of Transportation and Development enacted a prohibition against trucks traveling upon the I-10 Calcasieu River bridge, state troopers have issued 963 citations to truck drivers for driving across the bridge,” Troop D spokesman Sgt. James Anderson wrote in an email Wednesday.

“This number does not include citations issued by the Westlake Police Department and the Lake Charles city police. Just as with any other traffic infraction, not every violator will be caught and cited.”

Email newsletter signup

Cost of bus fuel so far tops $1.2M

How much has the School Board spent on bus fuel so far this school year? About how much of that went to transport teams to athletic events?

According to figures sent to The Informer, the school system spent $958,401.06 on fuel for regular-education bus travel from July 1 through Feb. 29 and $251,619.58 on special-education travel.

School system officials said they don’t track the costs of fuel for trips to athletic events.

School Superintendent Wayne Savoy told The Informer in October that the school system spent $12.7 million on busing in 2010-2011 — down from $14.2 million the year before. Most of that goes to drivers’ salaries and benefits, he said.

Online: www.cpsb.org.

More than 35 cited for pants since ’07

How many citations has the city handed out for violation of the saggy pants ordinance since its passage?

As of Thursday, police have handed out 38 citations since 2007, the year the ordinance was passed, city officials said.

“It is the policy of the City of Lake Charles for all persons to be properly attired whenever they appear in public view on private or public property. Such persons are expected to dress in a manner that is neat and appropriate for recreation, school or work,” reads Section 13-14.1 of the city code.

“Pants worn by any person, regardless of age, should be size appropriate and secured at the waist to prevent the pants from falling below the hips and causing any indecent exposure of his or her person or undergarments.”

Penalties for violating the ordinance include a fine of $25-$200 and up to 40 hours of community service.

“A violation of this ordinance shall not be deemed a criminal offense,” reads the code. “And thus, violators shall not be subject to arrest, imprisonment, or other criminal penalty.”

Online: www.municode.com

•••

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com””

(Brad Puckett / American Press)