Parents 'Circumventing' Traffic Regulations at Ridge Elementary

There are some traffic changes potentially coming to the West Side of Ridgewood due to safety issues around Ridge Elementary School.

The Citizens Safety Committee has recommended that there be no left turns from West Ridgewood Avenue into Ridge Elementary School between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

According to officials, parents are trying to "circumvent" existing traffic regulations by attempting to enter the driveway of the elementary school from the eastbound side of the road.

Parents often disregard parking rules on the west side of the street, queuing and double-parking along the curb area. It's a frustrating situation and many don't want to wait, instead opting to enter the school from the opposite direction. But the left turns, according to officials, just make a dicey situation already worse.

Both the police and engineering staff recommended the proposed ordinance. The council is expected to introduce the ordinance in April.