The first No Thru Truck violation ticket was written last Thursday according to County Commissioner Stan Klotz.
During the Commissioner’s meeting on Monday Klotz said he got a call from the company about the ticket. He also said that word spread fast that the ordinance was being enforced.
In October Klotz warned truck drivers that the county was going to begin patrolling to enforce the new No Thru Truck ordinance which implements a $300 fine for a violation. Trucks that are making a delivery or pick up, such as a trash truck on county roads are exempt from the ordinance.
After the county spent considerable funds to improve roads more semis have been using the county roads to traverse the county as a short cut to major highways. As a way to save wear-and-tear on the roads from the heavier trucks traffic the county implemented an ordinance listing a number of roads around the county that are off limits to heavier trucks. Those roads are signed appropriately to warn drivers of the restriction.
Klotz wants additional enforcement and on Monday suggested using officers from other departments to assist because the Sheriff doesn’t have the manpower for the added patrols. These officers from other departments would have to be deputized to write tickets for the county. Klotz said a 4-hour shift would cost the county $150.
County Attorney Jim Clevenger said an intergovernmental agreement would have to be created because Commissioner Klotz wants the officers to drive their squad cars from their own departments. He also said funds raised from the tickets can be used to fund the additional patrols. He’s going to work on a plan.
