| Author |
Message |
Mrbus (152.163.205.68)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 7:24 pm: | |
I have been in telephone, Email and regular mail conversations with the head of the So.Dakota Transportation Department, and the head of the So.Dakota highway patrol. I have also talked to the president of the So.Dakota Camp Ground Owners Association, and the So.Dakota Bureau of tourism, and the Black Hills Chamber of tourism.
I received an Email from three of these people last night informing me that in a meeting yesterday (Friday Feb.22) the decision to have all RVs stop at the weigh stations has been recinded, and that the dept. of Transportation has been instructed to take down the signs. They also stated that if anyone is passing through So.Dakota before all the signs are removed, that the weigh station officers will just wave them through.
They are convinced that this was a hasty decision, based on "Home Land Security".
I challenged a letter that I received early last week from the Capt. So.Dakota Highway patrol, in which he stated that they were not interested in all RVs, just the large motorhomes, because they have experienced some incidents of drug trafficking using the large motorhomes. He also stated that they did not plan to stop RV trailers. I pointed out that this was discrimnatory enforcement, and that they would be leaving themselves wide open for a substantial law suit. I sent copies of his letter along with my reply to all the concerned parties listed above.
When you are in So.Dakota, ask the camp ground owner if they belong to the "Owners Association'. and thank them for their help in getting this corrected.
Free again, Gus Haag |
Jayjay (207.30.180.10)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 10:53 pm: | |
Kudos Gus, this thing had me really upset. Naturally a man of your stature and background could make headway in this type of situation, and we are all indebted to you for your most laudable efforts. Thanks again, and Cheers...JJ |
DaveD (208.212.202.140)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 3:00 pm: | |
Just proves what can be done when people take the time and interest to address a legitimate concern in a proper manner. Thanks for doing so.
DaveD |
Ian Giffin (Admin) (216.209.143.36)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 7:35 pm: | |
Hi folks,
Gus was kind enough to e-mail me this past week with a "pre-quel" to the message which he has taken considerable and appreciated effort to author in this thread. I have reproduced that e-mail, following:
"Ian, the letter below is in response to my letters to the So. Dakota dept. of transportation. I have also written to the tourist bureau and the So. Dakota camp ground owners association. I strongly encourage everyone to start talking to anyone you know and have them all send letters to So. Dakota. I have had a lot of experience with grass roots organizations and know from experience that the system can be changed with enough input from concerned citizens. I especially resent the implication that all "large type motorhomes" will be subject to inspection and a search for drugs etc. If you are a member of FMCA, Good Sam, or any other RV club, now is the time to get everyone involved in this letter writing campaign."
Gus Haag
"Thank you for your question regarding recreational vehicles stopping at the South Dakota Ports of Entry. It is true that we are focusing more attention on recreational vehicles. This results from not only the recent homeland security issues, but additionally with addressing illegal narcotics being transported in these types of vehicles and examination for commercial operation as opposed to recreational use.
While we are increasing our focus to include RVs, rental vehicles (i.e. moving vans) and similar types of vehicles, we are only interested in the larger "Motor Home" design or configuration. It is not necessary for vehicles pulling camping trailers to pull into and stop at the motor carrier truck check sites and weigh stations.
South Dakota's Motor Carrier Inspectors can generally assess whether or not an RV "Motor Home" should receive closer scrutiny rather quickly. I do not anticipate that the RVs will encounter any delays of more than one or two minutes, if not simply a few seconds. In the event of numerous semi-tractor trailers at the check site, RV's will be transferred from the rear of the line to the front in as expeditious manner as practicable.
We welcome and encourage tourists to travel into and through South Dakota to enjoy the multitudes of attractions and scenery. We strive to make your visit as pleasing and memorable as possible. However, we also try to assure that it is accomplished in the safest manner available to all of our citizens and visitors.
If there are further questions or concerns regarding this subject, please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address."
Captain James Carpenter
South Dakota Highway Patrol
Thank you, Gus, for keeping us all up to date on this subject.
Regards,
Ian Giffin
www.busnut.com |
Ron in SD (63.98.220.66)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 12:30 pm: | |
I talked with my friend on the Highway patrol this last week and he said that there has been alot of talk about the new signs. He said that there were under review. I guess he was talking about Gus's letters.
This last week I drove through 10 different states and only SD had RVs pull in to the ports.
I know that SD has made a few drug bust in moving van being used as mobile meth labs.
I wonder how they planned on transfering the RVs to the front of the line. I can see the other trucks in line letting this happen.
I think that it is funny that they are only interested in the new larger motorhomes. Last week I read in the newspaper that the income from over weight fines is down. They increased the fines for over weight trucks last year and they stated that since this increase they are seeing less over loaded trucks. I bet it is because over weight trucks are now on the back roads by passing the ports. I wonder if they are now trying to get the over weight rves.
Gus thanks for all your work. Now I feel like I can leave the state with out having to worry about the port police upon my return. |
Ron in SD (24.220.60.23)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 9:44 pm: | |
I drove past the MN to SD port and the sign has the words RV removed. It just states that Buses and Rental Trucks must stop.
Since most converted buses are registered as motorhomes we should be able to just drive past. |
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