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LSVs Jockey For Access To Local Street
Date:
2/21/2013 6:57:37 AM
Category:
Regulatory Issues
The City Council of Britt, Iowa (pop. 2069) is debating changes to it's local traffic ordinance, after a local automotive dealer petitioned to allow LSVs unfettered access to city streets. Pat Trulson of Trulson Auto uses his Kubota RTV as a service vehicle to jump-start cars, tow vehicles and fix flat tires around the town, but the city ordinance that governs LSVs restricts access to the city's busy main street (Main Avenue).
As reported in the Britt News Tribune Feb 20, Trulson petitioned the council Feb. 4 to allow access for his vehicle, which is fully equipped with safety features, because he would otherwise need to use a full-size pickup truck just for that one street. Some council members acknowledged the need for rational access for LSVs, while others were concerned that it would open up the streets to recreational vehicles that did not meet safety guidelines.
Chief of Police Sonny Bruns noted that he had already worked with the city attorney to rewrite the regulations to comply with federal LSV guidelines. With a population of just more than 2000 and an area of 1.2 square miles, Britt Iowa is typical of many small towns in America. Allowing access to the quickly growing LSV category is a concern for many small towns, where commutes are measured in tenths of a mile and LSVs serve double duty on and offroad. While an immediate decision was not made, council members instructed the chief of police to find out what other small towns were doing.