Citizen Correspondence_Hartig Letter re: Engine BrakesDavid S. Hartig, Jr. P.O. Box 604 Dubuque, IA 52004 563 557 -9490
November 4, 2013
The Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council:
You are respectfully requested to address the issue of excessive noise emanating from
large trucks illegally using their engine brakes within the City limits This illegal practice,
causing loud exhaust noise audible up to one mile from the infraction, is completely
unnecessary on the shorter roadway declines on Highway 151/20 within the City. These
engine brakes were designed to supplement a truck's standard air brake system on long,
steep declines of several miles, thereby reducing heat build up and possible failure of the
standard brakes. In Dubuque their use is unnecessary and illegal if audible in excess of
300 feet from the truck.
When Highway 151/52 opens to the public with two lanes in each direction this fall, an
opportunity will present itself to actively enforce the existing law.
We are writing this letter or behalf of the several thousand residents of the South
Dubuque area where quality of life and property values may be adversely affected by the
continuing violation of existing engine brake ordinance.
Yours tru
Dave Hartig and Anne Hartig
Co
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