CORNER BROOK, Nfld. — A Newfoundland city with a healthy base of trucking companies is considering a tractor-trailer ban within the city limits.

According to the Corner Brook Western Star, such a proposal — aimed at reducing asphalt damage caused by heavy trucks — will go before committee with a recommendation expected in the coming weeks.

Shawn Woodford, president of the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade, says politicians shouldn’t even entertain such an idea. According to the paper, Woodford sent a letter to city council warning policy makers that such a proposal would be "detrimental to many of the businesses that rely on tractor-trailer trucks to deliver (goods)."

His members point out that if the plan is approved, they will be forced to ship goods in smaller trucks, increasing their transportation costs and leading to more vehicle trips (and traffic) within the city.

Woodford also expressed concern that businesses in the Murphy Square area would not be affected by such a ban because the Lewin Parkway is designated as a highway.

"Closing the city to the realities of commerce is simply ludicrous," Woodford said.