2001-2 Regulatory Agenda (Rules) - Maine Turnpike Authority - State of Maine

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99-420 - Maine Turnpike Authority
2001-2002 Regulatory Agenda

UMBRELLA-UNIT NUMBER: 99-420
AGENCY NAME: Maine Turnpike Authority

CONTACT PERSON: Margaret A. Trueworthy, Secretary-Treasurer, 430 Riverside Street, Portland, Maine 04103 Tel: (207) 871-7771, ext.123

EMERGENCY RULES ADOPTED SINCE THE LAST REGULATORY AGENDA:
CHAPTER 1: CMR 1.11: Rule Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Overlimit Permits (Amendment)
RULE CHANGE: The Turnpike now issues overlimit permits for vehicles of up to 14'6" in width. Also, some "housekeeping" changes were made.

EXPECTED 2001-2002 RULE MAKING ACTIVITY:

CHAPTER 1: CMR 1.1: Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Speed Limits. (Amendment)
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 M.R.S.A. Sec. 1965(1)(C), 1973(2), 1980
PURPOSE: Any speed limit changes that are required by Federal Laws or regulatory agencies or by changes in state DOT designation or related demographic classifications, or other Maine Turnpike speed limit changes, including the speed limit on travel through toll plaza areas.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule change may or may not be pursued in the coming twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: The proposed rule change will improve the traffic flow along the Turnpike in certain urban sections which are used annually by millions of commuters, passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles operated by Maine residents and residents of other states and provinces.

CHAPTER 1: CMR 1.3: Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Keep Right- Pass on the Left Only (Amendment)
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 M.R.S.A. Sec. 1965(1)(C) and 1980
PURPOSE: To restrict commercial vehicles from using the passing lane during inclement winter weather conditions in an effort to improve safe travel in these extreme situations.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule may or may not be pursued in the coming twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: This regulation would benefit all travelers by improving the safety of the highway but would significantly restrict the free flow of commercial traffic during periods of snow and ice and would, as such, require careful investigation prior to proposal.

CHAPTER 1: CMR 1.4: Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Parking (Amendment)
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 M.R.S.A. Sec. 1965(1)(C) and 1980
PURPOSE: 1. To prohibit truck parking in car lots in service areas. 2. To prohibit non-handicap parking in spaces as posted. 3. To prohibit parking on access ramps.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule change may or may not be pursued in the next twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: The proposed rule change would improve enforcement mechanisms but would not significantly change the benefits or regulations applied to any party.

CHAPTER 1: CMR 1.5 and 1.6: Rules Governing the use of the Turnpike: Median Strip and No U-Turn. (Amendment)
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 M.R.S.A. Sec. 1965(1)(C) and 1980
PURPOSE: To redraft and reconstruct these rules to more effectively allow restriction of travel through median openings and to more effectively discourage U-Turns at toll areas.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule may or may note be pursued in the coming twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: The proposed rule change would improve existing enforcement mechanisms yet could also serve to limit median crossovers by contractors and other parties who are accustomed to such access.

CHAPTER 1: CMR Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Towing
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 M.R.S.A. Sec. 1965(1)(C), 1973, 1980
PURPOSE: To allow the Maine Turnpike Authority to clarify and institute regulations for tow operations, tow trucks, and others performing services on the Turnpike.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule may or may not be pursued in the coming twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: This regulation would benefit travelers whose vehicles become disabled by improving services provided, and would affect tow operators.

CHAPTER 1: CMR Rules Governing the Use of the Turnpike: Information Signing
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 23 M.R.S.A. 1965(1)(U)
PURPOSE: To allow the MTA to institute a program for informational signing with respect to service business in the immediate vicinity of the Turnpike for lodgings and attractions.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: This rule may or may not be pursued in the coming twelve months.
AFFECTED PARTIES: This regulation would benefit travelers by providing motorist services information.

OTHER PROPOSED RULE CHANGES: The Maine Turnpike Authority may propose other changes to its rules throughout the year as they become necessary for reasons of improved safety, enforcement and administration, or as a result of the alternatives study and other studies of which the Maine Turnpike Authority is undertaking, recognizing the restrictions of 5 M.R.S.A. Section 8060.