Nelson residents, particularly in the downtown core, may notice that they haven’t been roused this winter by the sound of trucks backing up.
The reverse beepers on city vehicles are slowly being replaced with a new WorkSafe approved, much quieter beeper.
“There is a long history of [complaints],” said public works supervisor Karen MacDonald. “It’s been an ongoing thing for people especially when we are hauling snow because we have to back up so often.”
MacDonald initiated the decision to look into new beepers after many complaints came across her desk last winter.
“I know Teck uses them and the City of Trail uses them, so we thought we’d give them a try and if it works and everyone is happier and not complaining then that’s good,” MacDonald said.
The new beepers are significantly quieter and have shed the high pitched tone for one that has been compared to a dying crow.
“They don’t bother people’s ears as much, I think a lot of people have a hard time with really high pitched sounds, and these aren’t as high pitched,” said MacDonald.
The City is replacing the beepers as trucks come into the public works yard for maintenance.
