Lyon County commissioners have changed the fine schedule for commercial truck drivers using certain paved county roads in certain settings.
Commissioners voted unanimously to institute heftier fines for commercial thru traffic, according to County Engineer Wayne Scritchfield.
Initially, the fine was $75. Now it’s $250 for the first offense and $500 for second or subsequent offenses. The proposed fine was $1,000, but Scritchfield says that was based on a state law that has since been repealed.
Currently, this only affects traffic on Allen, Americus and Burlingame Roads, although there have been concerns for years on Olpe-Hartford Road as well. Citizens expressed concerns to both the Lyon County Highway Department and Sheriff’s Office.
County officials have their own concerns about safety and ongoing wear-and-tear on roads that weren’t built to handle the size of the loads being transported.
Separately, county commissioners approved Scritchfield’s request to enact a utility permit fee.
Fees will be adjustable, starting at $100, depending on degree of difficulty for county review. There is no ceiling, but Scritchfield says the county will “use discretion” when projects are presented.
