ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS GEAR UP FOR INCREASED TRUCK TRAFFIC

A 1999 legislative mandate in Texas ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to perform an inventory of its facilities and equipment, provide an overview of enforcement activity related to commercial vehicles, disclose staffing levels, and report operating hours. The results of this project showed that the DPS is significantly understaffed and underequipped. Four conclusions were made on the basis of the information gathered: firstly, the number of DPS personnel for roadside enforcement and truck inspection must be increased; secondly, the DPS must acquire better facilities and equipment for inspection and enforcement throughout the state to meet projected truck traffic increases; thirdly, intelligent transportation systems equipment should be incorporated at fixed-site commercial vehicle inspection facilities; and lastly, the need for border-cross facilities is crucial in achieving effective truck processing at the Texas-Mexico border.