Some towns in New Jersey deploy SafetySticks -- cameras in a pole -- to enforce parking rules
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, New Jersey (WABC) -- Some towns in New Jersey are using a new type of technology for parking enforcement.
Called the SafetyStick, the solar-powered poles are equipped with a camera that takes photos of illegally parked cars and sends the images directly to local authorities.
The city of Garfield installed theirs along busy areas in town where illegal parking is a problem.
"It's set to our preference of a two-minute time lapse. So, when the vehicle parks, it takes a photo. After two minutes it'll take another photo. If the vehicle is still there in the same spot, then it will initiate a violation," said Garfield Police Department OFC Glenn Reno.
The company that owns the cameras sends violations to police departments, which have the final say as to whether you get a ticket, which would be mailed to you.
Hasbrouck Heights has installed SafetySticks along Boulevard, one of its main drags.
"It was done because a lot of times customers will park there and it will create problems with cars trying to turn the corner, and it has definitely significantly helped with that," said shop owner Elena Colon. "The downside is people don't know it's there, so when they park there, they are going to get tickets in the mail within 30 seconds, so you don't know, but it's definitely helping."
Garfield says these have made a huge difference in curbing illegal parking there in the three years they have had them activated.
"We've had a pretty good response. Summonses have gone down in those areas, so people are obeying the issues," said Garfield Police Department Deputy Chief Ronald Bohannon.
Wood-Ridge and North Arlington are two other towns that are also using the cameras.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
