Truck brakes to get silent treatment in Lynn

LYNN – Truckers often downshift gears in order to slow their heavy vehicles rather than wear down the regular brakes, but the driving strategy known as jake braking causes the engine to rev and some Lynn residents say the sound is annoying.The City Council on Tuesday voted in favor of an ordinance that forbids truckers from using their jake brakes in all residential areas and in some places zoned for light business.The measure was introduced by Ward 1 Councilor Wayne Lozzi who recommended its passage be accompanied by a $300 fine for offenders. Ward 4 Councilor Darren Cyr said the fine seemed exorbitant for the average trucker and asked that it be amended to $50. Cyr also noted that truckers use jake braking to slow their vehicles, which can be safer than stepping on the regular brakes.According to Cyr, if a trucker encountered an unfamiliar low bridge and quickly slammed on the regular brakes, it could cause the truck to jackknife.Signs will be posted warning truckers not to use their jake brakes in zones R1, R2 and R3.Lozzi said he drafted the ordinance after receiving numerous complaints from Ward 1 residents. “This is a common sense ordinance,” he said. “There’s no reason to use jake brakes when you’re on the flat.”The councilor acknowledged that enforcement will be difficult, but the signs will help raise awareness among truckers.