Police chief seeks clearer truck-route code: proposes 10,000-lb limit and 28-ft trailer cap

Police Chief Hernandez told the council the city is proposing to repeal and replace chapter 1042 of the Milton Municipal Code to make truck-route rules clearer and more enforceable. The proposed changes would establish a default prohibition of trucks over 10,000 pounds on city streets except for designated state routes and would add a 28-foot trailer-length restriction to address turning and roadway-wear concerns.

"Trucks over 10,000 lbs are prohibited on on all city streets except for those designated state routes," Chief Hernandez said, adding the draft also permits local deliveries when the vehicle's destination is inside the city but requires the most direct route and use of arterials whenever possible. The update would also give the public works director authority to set load limits based on conditions such as weather and pavement state. The penalty structure in the draft remains a $250 civil infraction.

Council members asked about signage, enforcement logistics and whether traffic cameras could help identify violators. Public Works Director Madden described more comprehensive signage written into the draft code, including gateway signs and standardized sign dimensions. On cameras, Chief Hernandez said that current Washington state RCW rules limit automated traffic-camera deployment and that the city will research vendor options but cannot assume cameras are currently permitted. The chief said the item will come back as an action item at the council meeting on April 20.