Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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November 13, 2007

Mercer Commission votes to limit ATV hours of operation

By GREG JORDAN

PRINCETON — Working to balance the needs of residents with the needs of businesses depending on ATV riders, the Mercer County Commission voted Tuesday on a compromise measure for the Windmill Gap area.

Residents of Windmill Gap Road met with the county commission in mid-August to discuss the issue of ATVs. People living along the roadway complained that they were constantly being harassed by irresponsible riders. Noise during the evening hours and especially during the weekends.

Owners of businesses catering to ATV riders countered during the August meeting that most riders, especially those from out of state, behave responsibly. Ninety percent obey speed limits, but 10 percent can cause problems, one business owner said.

A compromise the commission voted on Tuesday limits the hours ATVs can be driven on Windmill Gap Road.

“ATVs will be banned [from the road] from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the weekends and during church services on Sunday,” County Commission President Joe Coburn said. “This is a compromise measure. Every-body worked on it together.”

The new measure goes into affect Saturday, Coburn said.

Penalties for violating the weekend ban had not been determined as of Tuesday, he said.

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