DELTA — Delta wants Victoria to install signs on the South Fraser Perimeter Road discouraging truckers from using engine brakes when near residential areas.
Delta council approved a staff recommendation last week requesting the Ministry of Transportation install "Excess Noise Prohibited" signs along the new highway in North Delta and Ladner, where the distance from a residential area is less than 500 metres, as a possible mitigation measure to deter truck engine brake noise.
The fine for unnecessary use of engine brakes in residential districts is $150 under Delta's ticketing bylaws; however, they are only enforceable on roads within Delta's jurisdiction, not provincial highways.
A report to council notes ministry staff said air compression brakes are a safety feature when operating commercial vehicles, so prohibiting them on provincial highways is not encouraged. The report states the ministry suggested signs as a possible mitigation measure, an example of which can be found on the Queensborough Bridge in New Westminster.
Coun. Ian Paton told the Optimist several complaints have been made by residents, but he's not sure why because those came from East Ladner, about a kilometre or more away from the new highway.
He also said he's not sure why truckers would want to use their engine brakes on a straight, flat stretch of highway like the South Fraser Perimeter Road.
The issue has also been brought to the attention of the City of Surrey.
Surrey Coun. Tom Gill added the issue to the agenda for the March 17 transportation and infrastructure committee meeting, where they agreed to send a letter to the Ministry of Transportation advising them of the situation.
- With files by Samantha Lego