The Biggar RCMP had a message for truck drivers in their latest report. Residents along busy highway corridors know the sound of engine brakes, or "jake brakes" all too well, and with it becoming a common problem lately around Biggar, the local RCMP chimed in to try and put a stop to it.
More people are out, and more windows are open due to the warm weather, and that's leading to extra complaints from within the community about the driving practices in question being extra hard on the ears. The majority of the troubling traffic has been coming from each Highway 51 and both sides of Highway 4 according to Biggar RCMP Sgt. Dereck Crozier.
"The use of engine retarder brakes within the town limits is prohibited and the speed reduction zones where drivers are using them should be a hint that the town limit begins."
It's a common problem that often leaves police shaking their head, and extra patrols are coming as a result of the recent rise.
"A little common driving courtesy would go a long way in resolving these issues, however there will also be a focus of enforcement on the issue to bring awareness to the signage."
Heavy haulers were singled out once more in the report. Another call from the detachment regarding poor semi-driving came from a passenger vehicle on Highway 51 who reported that a semi was operating in the middle of the road and making it difficult to pass.