Lynnfield passes new bylaw regulating truck brake noise

LYNNFIELD – The recent passing of a new bylaw has Lynnfield residents along Main Street both excited and relieved.For the last four years, residents have pushed town administrators to take action against truck drivers improperly using loud compression release brakes when they drive through. Some say the noise produced from these “Jake Brakes” is so severe that it disrupts their day and at times, even causes their homes to shake.”I’m satisfied and the neighbors here are satisfied,” said Donald Ross, who was very active in seeing the bylaw through. “I don’t expect that they’ll give many tickets out. I think that they’ll find out which trucks are abusing the thing and give them a warning, but as long as it stops.”The new bylaw, modeled after a one in Boxford, was supported by voters 131 to 96. It states that excessive noise from compression brakes is prohibited, except in the case of an emergency. “It is unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to use or operate, or cause to be used or operated, within the town limits?any compression brake, engine brake, dynamic brake, or mechanical exhaust device designed to assist in the deceleration or braking of any motor vehicle, if such device or devices results in excessive, loud, or otherwise unusual noise.” Violators of the bylaw could be slapped with a $200 fine.Police Chief Paul Romano said the “ruckus” on Main Street could easily be avoided if truck drivers and owners used the brakes properly, rather than modifying their exhausts to create the loud sound.”Most trucks, probably about 99 percent of trucks on the road have them,” he said. “And usually, you can’t hear them.” Romano said that the town’s own firetrucks use the brakes and have yet to cause a disturbance.Signs warning drivers about using the brakes were placed throughout the downtown area last year, but until now, there was little police officers could do in terms of penalizing violators. If and when the Attorney General approves the bylaw, which Romano estimates could happen within the next 30 days or so, officers who witness a vehicle producing the loud noise have the authority to stop the driver and give them a citation.”I don’t think it’ll result in a lot of violations, no,” said Romano, who personally never found them to be a problem. He hopes, however, that residents who were bothered are pleased with the steps the town took.