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Snoqualmie police to step up enforcement of unsecured truck loads after resident complaints
Summary
Police reported numerous complaints about unsecured truck loads on the Parkway that have caused debris and vehicle damage; the department said it will prioritize on-view citations, coordinate with Washington State Patrol—s commercial motor vehicle division, and expand outreach to trucking groups and companies.
The Snoqualmie Public Safety Committee on March 16 heard from Interim Chief Gary Hirase about a growing number of complaints that trucks are traveling through the city with unsecured loads, shedding rock and debris that have struck vehicles and raised safety concerns.
Hirase said the department has instructed officers to watch for unsecured loads and to take enforcement action when violations are observed; he also has asked the Washington State Patrol commercial motor vehicle division to provide assistance in the corridor. "We've been reaching out to some of those companies that have been pointed out to us by community members...I've asked Washington State Patrol's commercial motor vehicle division to come out and can provide a continuous assistance to us," Hirase said.
Committee members and staff discussed whether the issue requires a municipal ordinance or is covered by state law. Chief Hirase explained that covering loads is handled by the Washington State RCW (state statute) governing unsecured loads, and that State Patrol enforcement would go to district court while a municipal citation could go to municipal court for local matters.
Council members urged stepped-up communications to residents and to trucking organizations, suggesting outreach via the Washington Truckers Association or Teamsters and adding the issue to the community newsletter and council reports. The mayor and staff noted quarry traffic to I-90 as a frequent source for loose rock and said the city will continue enforcement and outreach.
Next steps: police will continue targeted enforcement along the Parkway and coordinate with State Patrol; administration will include uncovered-loads and related parking/speed concerns in future council reports and community communications.
