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Ramsey Road and Northwest Boulevard desperately need repaving/repair as the summer vacation season will soon be upon us and a new school year begins in six months. Ruts, potholes and other hazards, i.e. drain covers, are making it difficult for commuters to drive.

Part of the problem is caused by heavy-duty truck traffic that uses the road as an alternative to U.S. 95 and/or Atlas Road.

I propose that vehicle use be restricted to three axles or less and less than 10 tons gross weight. Violators of such restrictions should be fined a minimum of $1,000 for the first offense, then doubling each time for subsequent ones.

Garbage trucks, concrete haulers and other such companies should be required to pay an annual $50,000 tax if they choose to use either of the two roads.

Perhaps the same restrictions should also be applied to Government Way.

I urge the Coeur d’Alene City Council to take such actions to protect/preserve our much needed commuter arteries and to ensure the safety of our children and citizens this year.

CHARLES W. TATTER JR.

Coeur d’Alene