[Adopted 8-2-2010 by Ord.
No. 144]
This article shall be known as the "Charleston Township Oversize/Overweight
Vehicle Ordinance."
On or after August 31, 2010, any person or carrier desiring to operate a vehicle which is oversize or overweight, as defined by law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in § 268-18, on the roads owned by Charleston Township, shall file with the Township for a hauling permit and shall pay the required fee for permit by this section at least 24 hours in advance of such intended hauling. This article does not apply to state-designated routes that lie within Charleston Township. Movement of oversize/overweight vehicles on state routes within Charleston Township shall be regulated by a permit issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The definition of an oversize/overweight vehicle, for the purpose
of this article, is as follows:[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: So in original.
[1]destination. The permit shall denote if an escort or pilot
vehicle is required for the move. The permit shall be valid for seven
calendar days after issuance. The Township may require, at its discretion,
that a physical route survey be performed prior to issuance of permit
to ensure that proposed routing can be negotiated safely.
[1]
Editor's Note: So in original.
The applicant shall assume all liability for repairs and shall
perform, or have performed, to the satisfaction of Charleston Township
repairs to roads or structures, which have been damaged in connection
with operations under this permit. To ensure no differences of existing
roadway conditions between the applicant and Township, the applicant
shall have the right to videotape the travel route and provide the
Township with a copy of said video.
The hours of operation for oversize/overweight vehicles in the
Township are as follows:
All oversize/overweight vehicles traveling on Township roads
shall display "oversize load" banners on the front and rear of the
vehicle. The banners shall be at least seven feet wide by 18 inches
high. The vehicle/load shall also display flags on projecting loads
and must be at least 18 inches square. Oversize/overweight vehicles
may not travel within 1,000 feet of another oversize load.
A.
An escort or pilot vehicle shall not exceed 10,000 pounds. The vehicle
shall have a minimum of two flashing yellow lights and also display
two "oversize load" banners on the front and rear of the vehicle.
The signs shall be at least five feet wide and one foot high. The
vehicle must have a two-way communication with the oversize/overweight
vehicle. Vehicle personnel shall have the authority to direct traffic
and ensure that traffic disruption is minimal. Escort personnel shall
wear an orange reflective vest when engaging in directing traffic.
Escort vehicles are required to carry proof of liability insurance
with a minimal coverage limit of $1,000,000, naming Charleston Township
as an additional insured. Said proof of insurance is to be kept on
file with Charleston Township.
B.
One escort vehicle is needed when load or vehicle is in excess of
13 feet or when the total length exceeds 90 feet. The escort vehicle
shall lead the oversize/overweight vehicle to warn oncoming traffic.
The oversize/overweight permit does not allow the vehicle or
combination to exceed posted bridge limits. If a Charleston Township
road is to be used that has a bridge, burden of proof that the bridge
can hold the overweight load must be proved by the applicant through
a registered engineer study at the applicant's expense. If a review
is required by the Township's engineer, the cost for the review will
be paid by the applicant.
Penalties for violations shall be as set forth in the Second
Class Township Code[1] which, at the present time, permits a criminal fine not
to exceed $1,000 per violation and imprisonment to the extent allowed
by law for the punishment of summary offenses. In addition, violations
are subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code,[2] and all penalties permitted for oversize/overweight violations
by the said code are incorporated herein by reference and may be imposed
for a violation of this article. Enforcement may also be by an action
in equity pursuant to 53 P.S. § 66601(c)(4).
