STONE HARBOR – Individuals who operate motor vehicles on flooded streets in a manner that creates waves or wakes that cross the curb line are an increasing problem in shore communities facing more frequent inundation from heavy rain events and tidal flooding.
The Borough of Stone Harbor introduced an ordinance April 2 that would ban operating a vehicle on flooded streets in a manner that produces such wakes and waves. It would also set a penalty that could include a fine up to $1,250 and/or 90 days imprisonment.
The ordinance would also rule out a defense that the wake or wave created by the operation of a vehicle on a flooded street did not “cause actual damage to public or private property.”
A public hearing on the ordinance was scheduled for the May 7 Stone Harbor Council meeting.
