Council puts a hault to possible engine brake bylaw

Large vehicles will not be required to silence their engine brakes in Innisfil.

A town committee had asked staff to investigate the feasibility of posting signs asking truck drivers to restrict the use of engine or 'jake' brakes on their large vehicles within urban and village areas in the municipality, during a recent meeting.

The brakes are considered loud, and can be a nuisance to residents when used inappropriately. However, the brakes are legal within the province, and usage cannot be restricted by municipalities, said engineering technologist Gavin Watson in a report to council.

"They are an add-on form of braking intended to be used to reduce the wear and tear on the wheel brakes of these large vehicles, and to avoid the constant pumping of the wheel brakes to stop the vehicle from gaining speed on a downhill grade," he said. "There is no regulatory authority (under the Highway Traffic Act) whereby the town can prohibit or control the use of engine brakes ... enforcement under (the town's) noise bylaw would be limited to those circumstances where an abuse of the engine brakes is occurring."

Councillor Rod Boynton says some measures must be taken to ensure residents in populated areas like Alcona are undisturbed.

"This is something I brought forward some time ago, due to complaints," he said. "It's unbelievable that we can't put two or three at the entrance of the main route into (Alcona). Transports are coming into town at 80 or 100 kilometres an hour. They are not obeying speed limits. That's why they use their engine brakes; they're speeding in the first place."

The brakes are typically used in large vehicles with diesel engines, such as trucks and buses. They help slow down the vehicle, mostly on steep downgrades on roads.

Signs have been installed in Cookstown since 2004. However, some councillors say the signs rarely deter truckers from using the brakes.

"They don't work," said councillor Lynn Dollin. "I don't think (road) signs work; the Community Safety Zone and Please Don't Use Your Engine Brakes. There's got to be another way, but unfortunately they have no impact."

Other Ontario municipalities have erected signs, asking truckers to refrain from using their engine breaks upon entering urban areas.

"These signs are considered information signs only, and are typically installed in built-up areas. They advise drivers that they are entering an area where such brakes disturb the inhabitants," said Watson. "Many drivers observe them and refrain from using engine brakes where possible. However, this is not the case for all drivers."