December  30, 2003

The following article is excerpted from the “Toronto Star” edition of 30 December 2004.

Heightened security measures continued to stifle traffic crossing the border into the United States yesterday [29 December], with delays ranging from two to five hours.

U.S. customs officials said the measures brought about by an orange terrorist alert — increased questioning and inspections — combined with heavy holiday traffic to cause lineups that stretched up to three kilometres at Niagara's three border crossings. Adding to the delays was a further security measure that aimed to keep vehicles off the bridges that span into New York state.

Brent Gallaugher, a manager with the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, said traffic was being stopped at the bridges before being allowed to cross at the rate of between 120 and
180 vehicles at a time.

"We are not allowing vehicles to queue on the bridges to protect (them) and to keep them clear," he said.

Reaction to the delays was mixed.

"I'd rather suffer this lineup than see three bridges blown up," said Buffalo resident Ross Rosso, who was heading home after a visit to his Hamilton girlfriend.

But Angola, N.Y., tow truck driver Dave Smith said the wait was costing his company money. He also said he doubted the effectiveness of the increased security. "I think it's a
waste.

"Two kilometres before the Queenston bridge, motorists stuck in the queue lobbed questions at each other about the wait and the next exit while some wondered if they would run out
of gas….

Once at the border, inspectors asked more questions than usual, said Janet Rapaport, a spokesperson for U.S. customs and border protection.

"The inquiries are personal and it's a private examination between the inspector and the driver. It covers a wide area," said Rapaport, adding that there wasn't a script.

"(They are also looking at) personal identification documents — are they accurate? — cargo manifests, identification to show citizenship and verifying your identity."

She said examination tools, such as radiation detectors are also being used on commercial vehicles.