By: Richard L. Smith
North Arlington officials are taking new steps to address parking violations and improve pedestrian safety with the installation of Safety Sticks—solar-powered monitoring devices designed to capture the license plate information of unlawfully parked vehicles.
According to information released by the North Arlington Police Department, the devices will be placed in "no parking" zones and timed parking spots throughout the borough to prevent unsafe parking, particularly near street corners and commercial areas.
The goal is to reduce blind spots and improve traffic visibility, which officials say has become a growing safety concern for both drivers and pedestrians.
"Parking safety is one of those vital quality-of-life issues that need to constantly be addressed," Police Chief Michael Horton stated.
"Yellow street paint and bright orange traffic cones just aren’t significant enough deterrents for some motorists to park where they shouldn’t. I’m pleased we’re taking this important step to help solve this ongoing problem."
The Safety Sticks are equipped with cameras that monitor designated areas and send reports directly to the police department. Officers will then determine whether a violation warrants a ticket.
The devices will have a visible presence along Ridge Road, North Arlington’s primary commercial corridor, as well as other targeted intersections.
Officials emphasize that the initiative is about improving safety, not generating revenue. "This program isn’t designed to profit from unsafe parking," the police department stated. "It’s about sending a clear message that the Borough of North Arlington takes pedestrian safety seriously."
The project was approved at the Jan. 16 Council meeting, and installation will be handled by a vendor at no cost to the borough.
The vendor will receive a small percentage of ticket fees as compensation. An official installation date is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.