Upper to Issue Parking Tickets

PETERSBURG – Fine-tuning continues on implementation of the newly reconfigured striping along Commonwealth Avenue from Strathmere into Sea Isle City.
At its Aug. 12 meeting, Upper Township Committee approved an ordinance which permits the municipality to issue parking tickets to violators of the no-parking designation along the stretch of highway. 
Re-striping of Commonwealth Avenue, (County Road 619), was approved in time to start the high-traffic summer by freeholders to provide for a wider bike and pedestrian lane along the thoroughfare and thereby improve safety.
According to Solicitor Daniel Young, “Before this ordinance, we needed to rely on state troopers to write tickets of violations. Now, with this municipal ordinance, Upper can issue a ticket. Unlike state-issued tickets where you need to appear in court, a violator only needs to pay the fine for a municipal infraction.”
New Jersey State Police will continue to issue the parking tickets but under the municipal ordinance, according to Mayor Richard Palombo.
Throughout the summer, Strathmere residents have commented that the no-parking restrictions of the reconfiguration were not being adequately enforced.
State Police were commended for the job they were doing in trying to educate motorists about the parking restrictions and a newly established parking lot to handle those spaces that were eliminated. However, input was consistently offered that the no-parking restrictions were being ignored and residents were being inconvenienced with a lack of parking.
In response, committee urged patience as the parking pattern went into effect and people became familiar with requirements.
Committee noted they were receiving complaints that parking spots on Commonwealth Avenue are being “reserved” through placement of cones, trash cans, and other items to block space. Owners in the past have painted striping to mark their driveways but some driveways also were being blocked.
Young noted there are state statutes prohibiting roadway blockage and while there may not be regulations prohibiting the placement of cones and trash cans, the municipality has an ordinance in place prohibiting deploying trailers to block out space.
Deputy Mayor Edward Barr, filling in for Palombo, who was absent, concluded, “The state police are getting lots of compliments on Facebook for example, for the great job they’re doing to manage this situation. They’ve added patrols including units on bicycles and set up traffic signage about the no-parking area.
“The strategy is to continue to educate drivers and the public and then as necessary issue warnings and now we as a municipality can issue our own violations.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.