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State Bans HazMat Trucks From Downtown Boston During Day

BOSTON (CBS) - The state Department Of Transportation has decided to ban trucks carrying hazardous materials, including gasoline and heating oil, from traveling through Boston between 6 a.m and 8 p.m.

Mayor Menino has been fighting for several years for a ban on hazmat trucks from city streets.

He calls the decision a victory for the people of Boston.

"Vehicles carrying hazardous materials through the City pose a significant public safety threat to residents of our effected neighborhoods, as well as to commuters and other daily visitors to Downtown Boston," Menino's statement said.

Trucks delivering to or picking up from Boston will still be allowed on the roads.

Ann Lynch of the Massachusetts Motor Transportation Association says the move means it'll cost more to ship oil and gasoline, and that added cost, which will be passed off on the consumer.

"Estimations on diesel fuel are now sitting at over $5 a gallon by the summer. You can imagine by adding over 50 miles to each and every delivery trip, what the impact will be on costs," she told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports

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Lynch estimates those costs will be millions of dollars.

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