Lawrence used to have designated routes for large trucks passing through the city. Either the law governing such traffic has lapsed or law enforcement officers are looking the other way rather than enforcing the city’s ordinance.

As the city traffic becomes increasingly heavy, more and more truck drivers apparently are trying to find quicker, less congested routes through and around the city. Now, large 18-wheelers are using neighborhood streets that once were reserved for passenger cars or small trucks.

Something needs to be done because Lawrence’s traffic congestion is only getting worse. And it doesn’t appear that any significant corrective actions are likely to occur for years to come.

Hindsight is great, but it is easy to understand why many local residents look back and ask why Lawrence city officials, who were so quick to seek the costly services of traffic consultants (some of whom said making streets narrower is the way to improve and speed up traffic flow) were blind to the fact that Lawrence was, and is, doing a terribly poor job of planning for increased traffic.

It looks like Lawrence motorists and those coming to Lawrence for various events are going to have to plan for lengthy delays in getting into and through the city.

This being the case, city officials, particularly those in law enforcement, need to crack down on the number of truckers trying to maneuver their large tractor-trailer rigs through the city. If the truck route law has expired, it is far past time to get a new law on the books.

But, once again, why haven’t city officials had the vision to realize the city’s traffic needs and plan ahead? The current mess is not something of which city planners can be proud. In fact, past city commissioners and city hall officials should be embarrassed by their lack of foresight and courage to do what is right.

Is anything different today?