Trucking issues hoping to be resolved with new ordinance

Trucking issues have plagued U.P. counties for a while now. Ordinances and laws are being instituted to deal with the problems.

The truck traffic ordinance that goes along with the truck route ordinance goes into effect tomorrow. This ordinance was approved by the Marquette city commission just over a week ago.

As there are fines associated with not following the laws, the Marquette City Police Captain thought it would be a good idea to have a sit down with trucking management, drivers and residents to make sure everyone understands the changes.

“My issue on Lakeshore Blvd is one of safety. Many trucks would come through very fast, they start at 6a.m. in the morning and continue all day, so I hope that is being resolved. There are not deliveries being made by logging trucks going down Lakeshore Blvd,” said concerned resident Nancy Seminoff.

“I appreciate that the police department looked at the ordinance and went out to educate the people who do their business by truck. Rather than bringing the hammer down immediately, they are educating and I think they have got a lot of people on board,” said another concerned resident who also sat in on the meeting.

Immediate enforcement will not be the way the police are choosing to handle the situation. They say there will be a grace period before tickets and fines are issued to make sure that everyone is clear on the do’s and don’ts.

“Based on the ordinance, truck traffic is not going to be permitted on 3rd St., 4th St., 7th St., Lincoln St., and then the portion of Lake Shore between Geneses and Holly St. It’s also prohibited on Presque Isle so those specific areas of the city of Marquette are limited to truck traffic unless they are making deliveries, drop–offs or doing business.

Signs will be posted soon to avoid any confusion.