LAUREL HILL — With the city's first major paving project in almost 50 years complete, city leaders want it to last as long as possible.
City Councilman Daniel Lane has raised the possibility of implementing a weight limit on some city streets.
“I've seen a lot of our streets being deteriorated by heavy trucks…,” Lane said. “These log trucks are really loaded down, and … I'm sure they're over the weight limit allowed.”
The council last month voted in favor of allowing Lane to research the city’s options, including consulting with Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Larry Ward, who oversees Northern Okaloosa County operations.
Ward said he consulted with Crestview Public Works Director Wayne Steele, who recommended Laurel Hill follow state road weight restriction guidelines.
Lane learned the recommended maximum vehicle weight for municipal roads is 10,000 pounds. “Not that trucks are never allowed to go on the streets,” he said. “They can make a delivery and then get off the street. The law also says they need to find the quickest and easiest way to get on and off the streets.”
He suggested putting up signs advising of weight limits based on those guidelines to enforce restrictions.
“If we don't post the signs, there are no restrictions," Lane said."You could drive on here with a Sherman tank,” he said, jokingly referring to the 30-ton World War II tank.
Resident Kathleen Moneypenny, Councilman Scott Moneypenny’s wife, said weight restrictions inadvertently could affect some residents who drive heavy vehicles for a living. “How would that impact farmers that have to drive heavy equipment on streets or people who drive big rigs who have to get to their home?” she said.
Lane, under Council Chairman Larry Hendren's direction, is creating a list of proposed weight limit sign locations and verbiage.
“It's been close to 50 years since we've had roads paved, so it behooves us to take care of these roads as best we can,” Lane said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill considers vehicle weight restrictions