Truckers beware because Oxford Village is beefing up its efforts to catch those of you who violate state law and local ordinances.

Last week, council voted 5-0 to create a part-time commercial vehicle enforcement officer position.

“This certainly, I think, is needed,” said Police Chief Mike Neymanowski, who presented the idea to council.

The position would be filled by James Owens, who’s currently a reserve officer with the village police. He would work up to 16 hours a week and earn $15 per hour.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said village President Sue Bossardet. “Every business person on M-24 is going to be jumping for joy.”

Owens will be on the lookout for everything from trucks with unsecured or uncovered loads to commercial vehicles using streets from which they’re prohibited.

“I think I (saw) a truck squeak through today on W. Burdick,” Neymanowski told council.

Since October 2014, the village has had two ordinance amendments in place that ban truck traffic on W. Burdick St.

One prohibits trucks weighing more than 40,000 pounds – gross weight including cargo – from using the street at any time.

The other prohibits “all truck traffic” on the street between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Trucks are defined by the village as any vehicle that weighs more than 7,000 pounds and is capable of carrying cargo.

In both cases, there are exceptions for local deliveries.

But it’s not just trucks still using W. Burdick St. that’s a problem. Councilman Erik Dolan said there are commercial vehicles using residential streets.

“Surprising as it may be, we’ve had two trucks in the last week come down Oxford Lake Drive (a residential street),” he said. “So, I think there is a need for (the enforcement position). I think it’s a great addition to the police department.”

Neymanowski encouraged people to call the police department whenever they see commercial vehicle violations.

“Go get’em,” Bossardet told Owens.