Ban on trucks’ engine brakes urged

Friday, Aug. 1, 1997 | 9:10 a.m.

The bills, sponsored by Las Vegas Councilman Arnie Adamsen, would ban truck drivers from using engine compression brakes within city limits and also extend a curfew on driving through residential areas.

Geary Lowery, a member of the city's Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance Committee, has driven a truck with compression brakes.

"They make a grinding rumble that can get pretty loud," Lowery said. "The vibrations and the noise are disturbing, especially in close spaces like the Charleston underpass."

The other Adamsen bill extends by three hours the curfew on large commercial trucks driving in residential areas. The curfew now extends from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The bill would have the curfew kick in at 7 p.m.

Citizen complaints, especially about gravel trucks on Alexander Road and Tanaya Way, prompted Adamsen's bills.

Carl Galucci, president of ACME Sand and Gravel, said, "Wow. Those bills would definitely affect us. We pay extra for those (compression) brakes because they save on wear.

"And as far as residential areas go, we're there 70 percent of the time."

The bills will be considered Monday by the city's Recommending Committee and if endorsed there, will go to the City Council for a vote on Aug. 11.

By Mark Miller