COURT HOUSE –– A group of residents tired of having their property used as a raceway visited the Middle Township Committee meeting Dec. 3 to see if something can be done.
Vincent Modica, of Stagecoach Road, told committee members that the ATVs, quads and dirt bikes, which used to be a seasonal problem, have developed into a year round annoyance for him and his neighbors.
Modica’s neighborhood backs onto roads that follow Atlantic Electric high-tension lines, which the ATV riders use to drive their vehicles. He said they also ride on private property.
“Every Sunday they’re out there and the numbers keep growing,” Modica said. “Last week I counted 54 bikes.”
He said it’s a safety concern and the noise is unbearable.
Modica said that the Middle Township police do an excellent job.
“When we call they are out there immediately,” he said.
But the problem has gotten out of hand and he now wants police to “crackdown” on the illegal vehicles.
ATVs are not permitted to be used anywhere in the township, but on the rider’s own private property.
Lt. Scott Webster, who regularly attends committee meetings, agreed that the vehicles have become a major problem.
“They’ve been a problem for as long as I can remember, for 25 years,” he said.
Police issue tickets and tow vehicles, but not as much as they’d like, Webster said.
Police have their hands tied by Attorney General regulations, which say that ATV riders cannot be pursued, Webster said. If someone were hurt during the chase, police could be held liable, he explained.
Webster also noted that the vehicles don’t have any identifying markers, like license plates, which would help police prosecute the riders.
Webster said his department has one ATV of its own and he would send an officer out to patrol the areas as a deterrent.
Modica said he thought that would be a good start and also suggested police increase fines for ATV citations and plan stakeouts in areas known to have a lot of riders.
“We need to send a message to say that they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Modica said.
Mayor F. Nathan Doughty directed Webster to work with the residents to ensure something is done about the problem.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
