As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
Every self-propelled vehicle not designed or used primarily
for the transportation of persons or property and incidentally operated
or moved over the highways, including but not limited to road construction
or maintenance machinery, ditch-digging apparatus, stone crushers,
air compressors, power shovels, cranes, graders, rollers, well drillers,
and wood sawing equipment used for hire.
A.
In order to prevent excessive damage to public ways,
the Road Commissioner may close all or part of a public way to heavy
vehicles during any time from November 15 to June 1. No vehicles shall
travel over closed ways except those permitted by this article.
B.
The municipal officials may close all or any part
of a public way under the municipality's control at any time for the
following reasons:
[Added 9-23-1996; amended 10-10-2006]
(1)
Protection of road surfaces which will not support
continual truck traffic or for safety issues which may be raised by
the increase of commercial traffic.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection C, which immediately followed,
regarding prohibited through trucking on certain roads or sections
of roads, was repealed 4-13-2010.
Notice shall be given by erecting at each end
of the closed public way a poster indicating the following:
This article shall not apply to any closed highway
which is solidly frozen.
The following vehicles are exempt from this
article:
A.
Any vehicle or combination of vehicles registered
for a gross weight of 23,000 pounds or less.
B.
[1]Any vehicle under the direction of a public jurisdiction
and with permission of the Town of South Berwick engaged in emergency
maintenance of the public highway.
C.
Highway maintenance vehicles under the direction of
the Town of South Berwick.
D.
Any vehicle transporting home heating fuel (oil, gas,
coal, or stove sized wood) to a private consumer, bulk milk or bulk
feed which is registered in excess of 23,000 pounds carrying a partial
load with a weight equal to or less than indicated on an exemption
certificate issued by the Town of South Berwick as documented by delivery
slips or bills of lading accompanying the vehicle. The allowable weight
indicated on the exemption will be calculated based on various reduced
loads per inch of tire width, manufacturer's rating.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The exemption certificate and
application thereof are on file in the Town offices.
E.
Any combination vehicle of five axles or more weighing
80,000 pounds or less hauling perishable products. A permit issued
by Town of South Berwick shall accompany any load of perishable products.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Regulations for obtaining and
operating under trip permits are on file in the Town offices.
F.
Any public utility vehicle performing routine maintenance
or emergency maintenance.
G.
Any emergency services vehicle under the direction
of an organized police, fire, or rescue service.
H.
Any vehicle primarily utilized for the transportation
of solid or liquid waste which is in the process of either collecting
waste or transporting it to a disposal facility.
I.
Any vehicle owned and operated by an individual or
company having its principal place of residence on a closed road may
operate on the road only as a means to gain access to an unposted
road. The vehicle shall utilize a route that minimizes the amount
of travel over the posted road.
