By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

VACHERIE – Residents of St. James Parish should be delighted to learn that there is one sound in their parish that they shouldn’t be hearing as much of.

The St. James Council passed an ordinance last Wednesday night to prohibit the use of unmuffled compression brakes.

The issue came up in the latter part of last year, when council members reported that several residents had been complaining about the noise from the brakes.

Unmuffled compression brakes, also known as “jake brakes,” slow an engine by opening exhaust valves in the cylinders. This action, usually that of a large diesel-powered truck, is often accompanied by a loud noise.

Ordinance 13-19 prohibits the brakes in the following parts of the parish: on the east bank of the parish on River Road, from the Sunshine Bridge to the Town of Lutcher city limits; on the east bank of the parish on Louisiana Highway 3125 within one-half mile of the intersection of Louisiana Highway 642 in Grand Point; and on the east bank of the parish on Louisiana Highway 642 from Louisiana Highway 3125 to River Road.

Council legal advisor Bruce Mohon explained violating the ordinance is considered a misdemeanor offense and could result in a fine of up to $500.

Mohon also pointed out the ordinance does state the prohibition of the brakes would not apply in emergency situations when use would be necessary for the protection of persons or property.

The parish will post appropriate signs alerting drivers of the ordinance once it receives approval by the State Department of Transportation and Development and the Department of Public Safety.

Other information presented to the council during the meeting came from Brent Dicharry, the recreation administrator for the parish.

Dicharry presented council members with the 2013 annual report for the Recreation Department. The presentation detailed growth and improvements in many areas of the department, and Dicharry said soccer is by far the biggest growing sport in the parish.  

All council members were present at the meeting.

The next council meeting will be held on Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Convent Courthouse, 5800 Louisiana Highway 44.