Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) today welcomed the New York State Police’s recent commercial vehicle enforcement detail along the Taconic State Parkway, calling it an important step in ongoing efforts to improve safety on one of the Hudson Valley’s busiest roadways.

In June, following reports from constituents regarding a growing number of commercial vehicles traveling on the Taconic despite longstanding restrictions, Slater formally requested action from both the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and the New York State Police. His request also asked DOT to include an analysis of commercial vehicle traffic and its potential impact on roadway safety as part of its ongoing comprehensive safety assessment of the Taconic State Parkway that Slater secured last year.

“The safety of everyone who travels the Taconic State Parkway must remain a top priority,” said Slater. “I appreciate the New York State Police responding to these concerns with increased enforcement. The restrictions on commercial vehicles exist for a reason. The Taconic was never designed to accommodate large trucks, and keeping prohibited vehicles off the roadway helps make travel safer for the thousands of Hudson Valley residents who rely on it every day.”

The recent enforcement detail targeted commercial vehicles operating on the Taconic in violation of parkway restrictions, resulting in numerous enforcement actions and the removal of prohibited vehicles from the roadway.

“This enforcement effort reflects the importance of listening to local concerns and ensuring our transportation agencies respond proactively to emerging safety issues,” Slater said. “I appreciate the partnership of both the State Police and the Department of Transportation as we continue working together to improve safety along this critical transportation corridor.”

While welcoming the enforcement effort, Slater emphasized that additional work remains.

“This is an important step, but it is only one part of the broader conversation,” Slater continued. “We are still awaiting DOT’s comprehensive safety assessment of the Taconic State Parkway and remain in communication with the department as that review continues. I look forward to reviewing its findings and working with our state agencies to identify additional opportunities to improve safety for everyone who travels the Taconic.”

Slater noted that the enforcement initiative demonstrates the value of collaboration between state agencies and local communities in addressing public safety concerns.

“When constituents raise legitimate safety concerns, it’s our responsibility to bring those concerns to the appropriate agencies and work together toward solutions,” Slater said. “I remain committed to ensuring the Taconic State Parkway is as safe as possible for every family, commuter and visitor who depends on it.”

As a member of the Assembly’s Transportation Committee, Slater has continued to advocate for transportation improvements throughout the Hudson Valley, including increased investment in Region 8 infrastructure, roadway safety enhancements and greater accountability in the state’s transportation planning process. He said he will continue working with DOT and the State Police as the Taconic safety assessment moves forward and will pursue additional improvements based on its findings.