By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
In an effort to put controls on the types of vehicles traversing within the village, Waterford officials recently enacted an ordinance stipulating that heavy vehicles – including trucks – cannot go down side streets.
The changes come as village staff field complaints and concerns from residents observing heavy vehicles using residential areas as a thoroughfare – rather than major roadways, such as Main Street.
As written, the ordinance states that drivers with cargo exceeding 12,000 pounds could be subject to financial penalties.
There are a number of exceptions, however, including school buses, motor homes and RV trailers. But tractor trailers and dump trucks are among the list of prohibited vehicles.
Offenders are subject to a $500 penalty.
When village trustees debated the issue at a recent meeting, concerns about some of the practical aspects were raised. To effectively prosecute an offense, Village Attorney Marcia Hasenstab said a driver’s vehicle and accompanying cargo would have to be weighed.
“The thought process behind having an ordinance is to look at what’s taking place,” Hasenstab said. “How much damage is being done to our roads?”
Logistically, weighing a vehicle and its cargo could be a potentially time consuming activity. Jeff Dolezal, director of public works, said there are portable scales available in the Village of Rochester and at a State Patrol facility along I-94.
The village has long had a similar ordinance on its books, but Hasenstab recommended creating a new one to take its place.
“We’re redoing this ordinance to make it more clear,” Hasenstab said. A ticket cannot be written, she explained, unless the vehicle in question has been properly weighed. “It’s that simple.”
Plans call for placing signs throughout the village and directing drivers of large vehicles where they can and cannot drive within the community.
Dolezal implored officials to enforce the ordinance. “It’s like putting up a ‘no parking’ sign and not enforcing it,” Dolezal said.
“If you don’t enforce this, putting up the signs is kind of a waste of money.”
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