09/02/2026
Truck routes have been a concern for many in North Tonawanda. The current truck route map was designed to keep trucks as many trucks as possible away from our residential neighborhoods. Local deliveries are not prohibited and can take the most direct route, trucks just passing through are a major issue. While I understand truck drivers interest in cutting through our city, the residents quality of life come first. Please note the route and know why it was designed this way. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FaQHUCKBp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Clarification on truck routes and enforcement in North Tonawanda.
We have heard concerns from both sides of this issue. Residents understandably do not want heavy trucks unnecessarily traveling through neighborhood streets. The concerns we hear most often involve the noise and vibration from large trucks, homes shaking as they pass, added wear on residential roads, and safety concerns when large commercial vehicles travel on streets that were not designed for regular heavy truck traffic. At the same time, businesses throughout the City still need trucks to be able to make deliveries.
An important point is that a truck being off a designated truck route (attached map) does not automatically mean it is in violation. Trucks making legitimate local deliveries are permitted to leave the designated route when necessary to reach their destination. The concern is when trucks use neighborhood streets unnecessarily or as shortcuts.
Speaking with our Police Chief, the NTPD has been working to address this largely through education, warnings and targeted enforcement. Since March, officers have conducted 23 commercial vehicle enforcement details and 220 vehicle stops, with 164 warnings or educational contacts issued. Officers have also been providing drivers with information and maps explaining North Tonawanda’s designated truck routes.
Likewise, seeing a commercial vehicle pulled over does not necessarily mean the driver was ticketed for being off a truck route. Officers may be checking weight, equipment, licensing, safety concerns or other issues.
The goal is not to make it difficult for trucks to do business in North Tonawanda. It is to educate drivers on our local routes, address legitimate neighborhood concerns and enforce the rules when necessary, while still allowing businesses to efficiently receive the deliveries they depend on.
There is a balance to this, and that is what our Police Department is working to achieve. Hope this helps get some clarification on the matter. Thank you.
*The most recent code change to designated truck routes was in 2012 and can be found here: https://ecode360.com/12172631
