OOIDA Call to Action – Colorado Members
October 31, 2003

Attention: Colorado truckers! Vail Town Council members are scheduled to make a final vote Nov. 18 on whether to adopt an ordinance that would fine truck drivers up to $999 for using engine-compression braking systems within town limits.

It is important that you contact the council members and urge them to reject the proposal.

The ordinance, if adopted, would amend the town code, making it unlawful to use a “dynamic braking device” on any motor vehicle on I-70 between East Vail and Dowd Junction “except for the aversion of immediate and imminent danger.”

In an Oct. 21 preliminary action the council voted 4-3 in favor of the ordinance.

“You have to love people that live next to major highways because it’s convenient, then complain about the traffic and more specifically the trucks that deliver everything they need to allow them to live there,” OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer said.

“Engine brakes have contributed mightily to improved highway safety on mountain grades for truck drivers and others who use the highways. The ordinance is misguided, unneeded and if passed, likely to land the mayor and council members in court.”

A state law approved by the Colorado Legislature in 2000 already requires big rigs equipped with engine brakes to have a muffler or face a fine of $500 when traveling through the state.

Council members have also pledged to lobby state and federal highway agencies to lower the speed limit through Vail for semis.

How they voted …
Here’s a list of the Council members, divided based on who voted for and against the ordinance.