COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Committee introduced an ordinance Jan. 22 that would “prohibit the use of motor vehicles, via access points within the Township, on the shorelines and beaches of the Delaware Bay.”
The municipality took the step to protect the fragile environment and ecosystems of the bayside shore, and to protect the public safety in areas “not equipped to support the passage of motor vehicles.”
The ban is on vehicles entering the shoreline and beaches through access points at Cook’s Beach, Norbury Landing, Pierce’s Point, Reed’s Beach and Sunset Beach.
An exception process was created for gaining permission for access “for environmental, humanitarian or other such purposes.”
The ordinance provides for penalties of up to $500 for a first violation, and up to $1,000 for subsequent violations.
The ordinance is scheduled for a final vote and required public hearing at the committee’s Feb. 19 meeting.
