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Does Stow Need a No Jake Brake Law?

Do you think an engine brake law is necessary on Fishcreek Road or anywhere else around the city?

 

Ward 3 Councilman Brian Lowdermilk said he's received complaints "a couple times" from residents on Fishcreek Road because truck drivers are using their engine brakes.

"They are sensitive to the noise, they've been putting up with noise from the airport and in some cases, this is adding to some frustration," he said. "A jake brake can be fairly loud ... they can rattle a window."

Lowermilk introduced legislation Monday evening to prohibit the use of engine retarding devices unless there is an emergency. (Thursday's agenda is attached to this post.)

He said there's more cut-through traffic in the area since Seasons Road opened, which is causing more trucks to go down Fishcreek Road. 

Police Chief Louis Dirker said it would be difficult to enforce the law, if passed. 

"If we had some dates and times when it's a problem, we would do the best we can to monitor that," he said. "An officer has to witness a truck driver using the brake."

The charge would be similar to a traffic ticket — a minor misdemeanor.

Lowdermilk said this would be the first engine brake law in the city and it would only apply to a section of Fishcreek Road.

Council meets again June 28 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. 

  • Do you think Stow needs a jake brake law on Fishcreek Road?

    (Voting has been closed for this question)
    • Yes! It's so loud.
        3 (6%)
    • No, it's too hard for police to monitor or it isn't necessary.
        29 (65%)
    • I don't care either way.
        7 (15%)
    • I think there should be a law against engine brakes, but not specific to just Fishcreek.
        5 (11%)
    Total votes: 44
  • Your vote will only count once. This is not a scientific poll. View Results Vote!
Related Topics: City Council, engine brake, fishcreek road, jake brake, and stow police

Tom Tucker

9:50 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012

So we have councilperson's drafting legislation because of a "couple of" complaints?

Good. Freaking. Grief.

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Dev

10:14 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012

While we are drafting legislation....

We have a guy in a little white car booming rap?/dance? music down the road 2-3 times a day on Ritchie Road shaking our windows. It makes me feel good that we'll be paying more taxes for his Medicaid funded hearing aids/treatments in a few years.

1rst offense: remove his speakers/stereo system with axe/sledge hammer.
2nd offense: Tie him to hood of Truck with the Engine breaks going up/down Fishcreek road.
3rd Offense: Listen to Classical or Talk Radio for 72 hours straight... maybe he will learn something.

Anyone 2nd the motion ? :)

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