Egg Harbor Township Adds More 'No Parking' Signs On Ocean Drive

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ — Egg Harbor Township officials have added more signs warning against illegal parking on Ocean Drive as people continue to flock to Dog Beach.

The state-owned Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area is a popular destination for pet owners and their four-legged friends. But the area has overflowed with parking this summer, as its two small lots tend to fill up on weekends.

Ahead of the Fourth of July, Egg Harbor Township police announced that vehicles parked illegally on the shoulder of Ocean Drive could be towed and subject to a fine of $200. Though parking on Ocean Drive was already prohibited by a township ordinance and county resolution.

"The Egg Harbor Township Police Department appreciates the time spent by a dog at the beach with their human, but we must recognize that the safety of everyone is jeopardized when their humans park improperly and in violation of the law," police said on social media. "Your dog can't afford for you to get injured or worse because you or someone else parked unsafely and illegally."

Electric signs now flash in both directions of Ocean Drive and paper signs are tacked on several utility poles near the beach.

The Press of Atlantic City reports that police have met with state organizations to increase the size of the parking lots, but found that it would not be possible. Though the beach continues to increase in popularity, attracting both longtime residents and summertime visitors.

Several people shared their experiences in securing a parking spot on a recent morning at Dog Beach.

“If you come early and there’s a few clouds, you can get away with it on a Saturday, but if it’s sunny on a weekend, it’s pretty filled up by 9:30 or so,” said Jim Myer, of Ventnor.

Mike and Chelsea Krier, of Palmyra, said they have been going to Dog Beach before noon to walk their dog, though the parking lot is usually full when they arrive.

“It’s a madhouse every time. Most of the time I just keep driving,” Chelsea said.

Jamie Bradley lives year-round in Somers Point and visits Dog Beach regularly when the weather warms up.

“There seems to be a little bit of a turnover from morning people into the afternoon, but then there’s usually a line of cars waiting,” Bradley said.

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