Parking Laws to be Enforced at Bus Stops

With the start of school on Wednesday, Jefferson Township police will have increased patrols in marked and unmarked cars to enforce motor vehicle laws, specifically tageting motorists who pass school buses and those that park at intersections to wait for buses with their children. 

Police will be checking for the following violations:

• 39:4-135 – Vehicle must park on the right side of the roadway
• 39:4-138a – No parking within an intersection
• 39:4-138b – No parking within a crosswalk
• 39:4-138c – No parking in front of a public or private drive
• 39:4-138d – No parking within 25 feet of an intersection
• 39:4-138h – No parking within 50 feet of a stop sign
• 39:4-138m – No double parking

"Some bus stops have in excess of 10 vehicles with parents waiting with children for buses, causing concerns for traffic and pedestrian safety," said Eric Wilsusen, Jefferson Township police captain. "The department is urging parents to assist by walking their children to the stop when possible."

In addition, to help protect children, police offered the following tips from AAA :

• Slow down in and near school and residential areas.
• Drive with your headlights on—even during the day—so children and other drivers can see you.
• Look for clues that indicate children may be in the area, such as school safety patrollers, bicycles and playgrounds.
• Scan between parked cars and other objects where children could dart into the road.
• Since school children travel the roadways on a regular schedule, adjust your routine by five or ten minutes to avoid busy pedestrian zones and frequent bus stops.
• Practice extra caution in bad weather.
• Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.  Vehicles must stop in all directions while the bus has its red lights activated. This includes intersections.

Residents can contact traffic safety officer Steve Muller at 973-208-6159 with questions or concerns.