(A) The purpose of this section is to regulate the orderly operation of trucks on the streets of the city. The primary objectives are to facilitate the transfer of goods and services by trucks to businesses and to preserve the quality of life in the neighborhoods. Prime considerations involved in the purpose of the section are: 1) the safety of our citizens; 2) avoidance of unreasonable or unnecessary disturbance or reduction in property values due to truck noise, vibration, and/or air pollution; 3) protection against the deterioration of those streets not designated for truck traffic, and 4) adequate truck service to businesses and residences in an expeditious manner, having due regard for economical vehicle operation.
(B) For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
TRUCK. "Truck", "truck tractor", "trailer", "semi-trailer", as defined in Act 300, Public Acts of Michigan, 1949, or any combination thereof, as well as chartered, tour-type buses.
(C) Where density of traffic, protection of life and property, construction and condition of the roadway, or any hazardous condition makes it advisable, the direction of traffic flow and routing of trucks and heavy vehicles may be made by the proper authority by duly posted traffic control devices; and it shall be unlawful to drive or cause to be driven any vehicle in violation of such direction and routing.
(D) The streets of the city are hereby designated for this section into four classes:
(1) Primary Truck Routes. Those streets specifically designated by this section or subsequent traffic control orders as truck routes.
(2) Secondary Truck Routes. Those streets leading to and/or from commercial, institutional or public facilities in need of regular deliveries by trucks and located off of primary truck routes and designated by this section or subsequent traffic control orders.
(3) Major Streets. Those streets, other than truck routes, that are certified by the Michigan Department of Transportation as major streets in the city of Mt. Pleasant.
(4) Local Streets. All streets not designated herein as truck routes or major streets.
(E) The operation of any truck exceeding 30 feet in length or 26,000 pounds gross weight (including operator and cargo) and/or any vehicle which requires hazardous material placards is prohibited upon every street in the city except primary truck routes designated by this section or subsequent traffic control orders. The operation of any truck exceeding 30 feet in length or 26,000 pounds of gross weight shall be permitted on secondary routes only in accordance with D(2).
(F) Provided, however, that no provision of this section shall prohibit:
(1) The operation of emergency vehicles upon any street in the city.
(2) The operation of trucks leased, owned or operated by the Division of Public Works or any other governmental agency, any contractor or material delivery person while engaged in the repair, maintenance or construction of streets, street improvements, or street utilities within the city, or licensed refuse carrier on their assigned route.
(3) The operation of a truck upon any officially established detour in any case where such trucks could lawfully be operated upon the street for which such detour is established.
(4) The operation of a truck on such prohibited streets as may be reasonably necessary when traveling from the nearest street intersection on a street where it is permitted to operate to a destination on a prohibited street.
(5) The operation of a truck on prohibited streets while engaged in pickups or deliveries, provided that the truck shall, upon completion of the last pickup or delivery, return by the shortest route to the nearest street upon which it is permitted to operate.
(6) Any Isabella County Transportation Commission or public school bus from traveling on any street in the city.
(7) Any truck traffic generated within the city of Mt. Pleasant or Union Township from traveling on Bradley Street.
(G) It shall be the duty of any person who shall be driving or in charge or control of any truck which may at that time be upon any street in the city upon which truck travel is limited or restricted, upon the demand of any police officer, to proceed to any public or private scale available for the purpose of weighing and determining whether the weight thereof is in excess of the weight limit permitted upon such street.
(Ord. 805, passed 10-13-97) Penalty, see § 98.99