HATFIELD — Disruptions to the quality of life for some residents posed by tractor-trailer trucks using engine compression brakes, which cause both noise and vibration, may be confronted through a proposed municipal bylaw.

As both a resident and a realtor, Micki Sanderson told the Select Board on Tuesday that she would like to see Hatfield adopt a prohibition on the so-called “Jake brakes,” similar to one in place in Northampton.

Sanderson said that residents on Elm Street and Maple Street, especially in areas where the roads go downhill, are most affected. Sanderson said she has been woken up at 4 a.m. by trucks using the engine brakes, rather than the wheel brakes, and has represented an Elm Street property owner worried about selling the home because of the same issue.

“As a community member, I think it’s important for people to step up and say we need to preserve the well being and quiet environment of our homes and properties,” Sanderson said.

The measure would include a requirement for the Select Board to contact all commercial trucking companies, alerting them that engine brakes should not be used, request that the Department of Public Works place signs prohibiting so-called “Jake braking” and that violations be enforced in some manner.

“I think it’s a reasonable request,” Sanderson said, adding that it would protect property values and ensure Hatfield “continues to be that quiet, lovely rural experience people want to have.”

Farming vehicles and tractors would not be covered under the rules.

Select Board Chairwoman Diana Szynal said she doesn’t recall Jake brakes being a chronic problem. “This is news to me,” Szynal said. “We went from never hearing about these brakes to wanting to put this big policy in place.”

Board member Ed Jaworski said if a bylaw is adopted, the town would need to raise awareness for drivers, and may have need better signs so trucks slow down at an earlier point on the roads before having to use the emergency brakes.

The bylaw would require town officials to contact all commercial trucking companies alerting them to the new rules and for the DPW to put up signs.

Board member Brian Moriarty said reaching out to businesses with tractor-trailer trucks would be sensible. “I believe that we could do at least that to start,” Moriarty said.

The contents of the bylaw may be examined by town counsel prior to bringing it for consideration to Town Meeting.

Police Chief Michael Dekoschak said he agrees that there is a lot of unnecessary use of engine brakes. “They’re really not needed in any of these areas,” Dekoshak said.

But he isn’t sure what can be done, since the state doesn’t permit a ban on safety equipment and issuing fines could be difficult when a driver can cite discretion on what is emergency use of the engine brakes.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.]]>