VEHICLES: Step up enforcement

Having lived in Coeur d’Alene for 11 years, I have noticed a marked change in not only the volume of traffic on our streets but also a decibel busting increase in the acoustic volume of all those cars, trucks and motorcycles. I know I’m not alone in this observation as many of my friends and neighbors have also mentioned this audio assault.

In fact, I recall a new ordinance being passed last year to reduce vehicle noise by imposing a $350 fine for motor vehicle infractions. In spite of this, the problem seems to have become even worse. Nightly, speeding and noisy autos, choppers and souped up trucks speed up Northwest Boulevard after maybe a token stop at Lakeside Avenue disturbing downtown residents from dinner until late night. At $350 a pop it would seem to me that Coeur d’Alene’s police department could come close to making their budget by stepping up enforcement of our new ordinance.

The days of Coeur d’Alene being a small town are long gone. We are now an internationally recognized tourist destination and no longer some hick town where peeling out, loud mufflers, speeding and “who cares?” attitudes are tolerated. No more Andy and Barney, we need the Terminator!

KEN COPPER

Coeur d’Alene