(02/22/06) BYRAM ? A federal appeals court has struck down a ban that kept out-of-state tractor-trailers off local highways throughout the state of New Jersey.

The state ban went into effect in 1999 as a response to numerous tractor-trailer drivers going off interstates and using local highways to avoid paying tolls. With the ban lifted, many residents are now fearing for their safety as big rigs will once again be rolling down local highways. Even a former trucker thinks the move is a bad idea, saying the trucks go too fast through residential areas.

The state can now appeal the ruling. A decision on that option has not yet been made.