By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Posting signs for those violating the city's noise
ordinance could prove to be costly.
"The jake brakes continue to be a problem," said Chad
Brough, mayor. "We have been contemplating placing signs on
the freeway and in town to warn drivers that we have a noise
ordinance and that using engine breaks violates it."
However, the idea of paying the asking price for the
signs could be a deterrent.
"Nephi is not the first city to have concerns with
engine break noise," said Randy McKnight, city
administrator. "When I contacted the Utah Department of
Transportation (UDOT), I found that they have developed a
standard reply for all cities who have concerns."
The standard reply reminds city officials that engine
breaks were installed on large diesel engine trucks for
safety reasons. The so-called jake break helps slow the
engine quickly so that the truck can slow down and come to a
safe stop.
"UDOT suggested the city should only address the use
of engine breaks after careful consideration of the safety
issues," said McKnight.
After that consideration, the city council must then
make a written request and, in that request, must agree to
commit to posting the needed signs and enforcing the
ordinance.
A map must also be prepared indicating where the signs
are to be posted and that map must accompany the written
request submitted to UDOT for consideration.
"Installation can be done by UDOT, if the signs are
approved," said McKnight.
However, before the signs are posted they must be paid
for according to UDOT policy. Each sign posted inside the
city limits costs $300 and each sigh posted along the
freeway costs $600.
"Maintenance of the signs is also the responsibility
of the city," said McKnight.
He said that in 1995, when the noise ordinance was
adopted, the city staff was assigned to contact all of the
companies who regularly had trucks driving through the city.
They were warned of the city ordinance and asked to
comply.
Of course, he said, transient traffic was not notified
by city staff.
"It is usually the same drivers who are the
offenders," said Brent Bowles, council member. "Maybe we
should try calling them and talking to them."
Kent Park, council member, agreed. "Most of the
offenders are guys who live in town."
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