HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Hillsborough County resident is concerned about the growing traffic in Thonotosassa, especially from big trucks that aren’t supposed to be on the road.

Robin Hart has lived near Skewlee Road for more than 40 years. She often walks along the road to Thonotosassa Park with her dog. But lately, she says that’s getting dangerous.

“My dog and I have had to move off the sidewalk because they have come so close before,” Hart said.  

She is talking about an increase of truck traffic on Skewlee Road.

That is happening despite signs that say trucks with more than two axles are not allowed there.

Hart has a theory as to why the trucks are ignoring the signs.

“When US 301 gets backed up, they use this as a cut through to the dump. And there’s also a mining office up on CR-579. And the dump trucks are coming through here constantly,” Hart said.

She also feels there are good reasons that trucks aren’t supposed to be on the road.

“The trucks sometimes hit the overhangs of the wires and the trees. The branches explode. That can cause problems. They veer off the road too many times. And I’m concerned about the pedestrian traffic,” Hart said.

Her other concern is that when trucks are there, other drivers try to speed around them.

“The traffic is going much faster than the 35 mph. And it’s just constant,” Hart said.

Hillsborough County officials say there has been a recent increase in truck traffic in the area because of storm debris removal from the hurricanes. That should now be happening less as a lot of work is now wrapping up.

In addition, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says their District 2 office that patrols the area is aware of the issue as well.

Hart hoping to see more patrols on Skewlee Road or for the county to consider some traffic calming devices so she and her neighbors can walk safely

“I’d like to see traffic calming of some sort. Both to slow the regular cars down and make it a deterrent for the trucks to come through here,” Hart said.