Opponents Of Cheyenne Oversize Truck Ban Launch Online Petition

People who are against a proposed ban on oversized vehicles on Cheyenne streets have launched an online petition against the proposed ordinance.

The proposed law would ban parking oversized vehicles on city streets for more than 72 hours, allowing for the purpose of loading, unloading, winterizing or de-winterizing the vehicle.

The proposal defines 'oversized vehicle": "Oversized vehicle" shall mean any vehicle or any combination of vehicles which exceeds twenty-five (25) feet in length, seven (7) feet in width or eight (8) feet in height, exclusive of projecting lights and other devices allowed by title 31, chapter 5, article 9 of Wyoming statutes. "Oversized vehicle" shall not include any tractor unit subject to Section 10.52.020 of the Cheyenne city code;"

Supporters of the ban say it is a public safety issue because the vehicles hinder motorists ability to see on city streets and impede the flow of traffic, especially on some narrow residential streets. Some supporters also say it's not fair for those who own the large vehicles to use public streets to store the vehicles, adding they should foot the bill for storage themselves.

But the petition reads in part These plans have been made without any research into how many people this restrictive policy will affect, or considerations about storage availability or costs. It seems that they care more about enforcing rules and regulations rather than preserving the quality of life we cherish. This ordinance has been developed in response to complaints by a vocal minority, ignoring the silenced majority who enjoy their vehicles as part of their daily lives. 

Proposed Ordinance Generates Heated Debate

Members of the public who spoke on the issue on Second Reading before the council last week were overwhelmingly opposed to the idea, with many accusing the council of governmental overreach. But council members who support the idea say that while supporters may not show up to City Council meetings to voice their opinions, they have often spoken privately about concerns that the vehicles are a safety hazard.

The council voted 7-2 in favor of the ordinance on Second Reading, but that vote is not the final word on the issue, The proposal faces another hearing before the City Council Committee of the whole on Wednesday night. It will likely move on to a decisive vote on Third Reading before the council at the next regular City Council meeting on Monday, December 9.

A Townsquare media online poll that was posted last week showed strong support for the ordinance, with almost 59 percent of the roughly 800 people responding being in favor. It must be noted, however, that online polls are not scientific since they are not weighted to match the demographics of the public and are simply open to anyone who cares to respond.