GADSDEN, Ala. — The Gadsden City Council on Tuesday presented the first reading of an ordinance that would limit truck routes within city limits to state and federal routes, specify procedures allowing deviations to reach a destination within the city and establish fines for violations.

Council members said the change responds to neighborhood concerns about heavy trucks using streets that were not designed for commercial truck traffic and causing pavement damage. Officials said truck drivers sometimes follow GPS routing that directs them onto inappropriate local roads.

The ordinance was presented for first reading; the council will consider final adoption next week. Council members said the city will work with the Alabama Department of Transportation and other relevant authorities to determine appropriate truck-route signage and to clarify allowed deviations for delivery and destination purposes.

What it would do: The draft ordinance would designate truck routes as all state and federal routes within the city and would require a process for truckers to deviate from those routes only to access a destination inside the city; fines for violations are included in the proposed code change to Chapter 118, Article 5.

Council discussion: Several council members voiced support for the measure, noting specific neighborhood roads that have seen heavy truck traffic and expressing concern about pavement deterioration and safety. The item was presented for first reading and will return for a vote at the council's next meeting.