The Roosevelt City Council recently tabled a proposed Truck Regulation Ordinance that would have assigned designated truck routes within city limits and assessed an annual $300 parking permit for large rigs.

City Council members instead opted to handle problems with truck traffic and noise on an individual basis for the time being, rather than through a uniform code.The city council drafted the proposed ordinance last month in an attempt to regulate travel routes, hazardous cargo, wear and tear on city streets and noise created by large trucks. Under conditions in the proposed ordinance, trucks could only be driven on five posted designated truck routes within the city limits.

The regulations would have applied to all trucks with a gross lien weight in excess of 18,000 pounds or trucks rated for two tons or larger under standard practice of the state of Utah. All explosive and corrosive carriers capable of carrying in excess of 3,000 gallons or licensed for a gross weight in excess of 9,000 pounds would also fall under the proposed regulations.

Also, truck drivers who park on city streets on a regular basis would have had to purchase a special permit for an annual fee of $300.

The proposals met little resistance from local truck drivers and operators. However, after one public hearing and several discussions, the council unanimously agreed to shelve the proposed ordinance.

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City Administrator Brad Hancock said a check with three cities similar to the size of Roosevelt found no truck ordinances in place. He added that truck operators are already assessed high taxes to help keep roads maintained.

"The reason the City Council decided to table the truck ordinance is because there might be conflict with the `B & C' road funding by trying to restrict travel on certain roads those funds are used on. We want to study this a little bit further," he explained.

"We don't want to cause any consternation with the truck drivers in the area. We want to keep a good working relationship there, so they (council members) have decided to back off for the time being and research and make sure before they impose any restrictions. It's in the best interest of all concerned."

Council members agreed that any problems associated with pavement damage from large rigs parking on city streets will be addressed on a one-on-one basis. Concerns with noise caused by large trucks will be addressed through the city's noise ordinance, Hancock said.

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