No-cost action plan for highways

By Pat Martin

ST. LOUIS -- No on "B" congratulates the people of Missouri for defeating Proposition B.

This is a victory for tax justice and good transportation policy.

During this campaign, No on "B" repeatedly advised voters to vote no and demand a better transportation plan for all Missourians. More money is undoubtedly needed for all our transportation needs -- roads and bridges, public transit, passenger rail and other modes of transportation. But the way to raise that money must be fair and equitable, not a sales tax that places the most burden on low- and middle-income people."

Highway safety was a major theme in the campaign for Prop B. Improvements in highway safety -- that will cost little or nothing -- can be achieved almost immediately. We urge the governor and our state legislature to take the following steps:

The governor should issue an order for stronger enforcement of speed limits and reckless driving laws. Issuing warning tickets for speeding should be stopped.

The governor should order stronger enforcement of truck weight and speed limits. Excessive truck weight and speed increase damage to roads and contribute to more severe traffic crashes.

The state legislature should pass an open-container law, making it unlawful to have an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Missouri now loses $10 million a year in federal highway money because we have failed to enact this law.

The state legislature should consider again a primary seat-belt law which would allow police to stop motorists for not wearing a seat belt. In the meantime, we recommend that everyone buckle up. The overwhelming majority of traffic deaths occur to persons not wearing seat belts.

All Missourians -- Proposition B proponents and opponents alike -- should unite in support of these life-saving measures.

We also recommend that beginning immediately, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission place the highest priority on maintaining our existing road system and on repairing the most dangerous conditions. No new road projects should be started until all dangerous roads and bridges have been repaired and the majority of all state roads are in good condition.

The opponents of Proposition B will shortly make specific recommendations for equitable ways to raise additional funds for Missouri's transportation needs.

Pat Martin is the chairman of Missourians for Tax Justice and coordinator of the No on "B" campaign committee.