April 3, 2006

CITY TO CRACK DOWN ON TRAFFIC VIOLATORS IN APRIL

RAHWAY – Spurred by some recent collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles, Mayor James Kennedy announced today that the City will be cracking down on speeders and other traffic violators.

“Having a business downtown allows me to view the movement of pedestrians and motor vehicles in the area,” said Kennedy.  “And I have seen far too many close calls that will one day end with serious injury or death.  Those who choose to speed through Rahway and refuse to yield in pedestrians in crosswalks will be getting a visit from the Rahway Police Department and dealt with severely.”

Kennedy added that the City Council will declare April as “Pedestrian Safety Month.”  Beginning April 1, the month will be marked with increased traffic enforcement downtown and at certain locations throughout Rahway.  The Police Department’s mobile message board will also display warnings urging motorists to slow down and to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

The City is presently reviewing a traffic plan for the central business district that will return Main and Irving Streets to two-way traffic and realign curves and intersections in the area designed to slow down vehicular traffic and improve visibility of crosswalks.

“Pedestrian safety involves an increased awareness by motorists and pedestrians of each other and of existing traffic laws,” said Kennedy.  “but it also involves re-imagining a downtown designed for people, not cars and trucks.  We have a responsibility as a city to literally take back our streets from the misguided plans of the auto age, and our new traffic plan hopes to accomplish just that.”

In 2005, there were 30 pedestrians involved in accidents in Rahway, three of them resulting in death.  So far this year, there have been four pedestrian-related accidents and zero deaths.

“There will be zero tolerance for violations observed by officers who are enforcing the traffic laws in the business district during this month-long initiative,” said Police Chief Edward Hudak.

Motorists charged with failing to yield to pedestrians, 39:4-36, will face a mandatory court appearance and if found guilty, will receive a fine of $50-$250, in addition to being charged two points for a moving violation.  

Safety tips for motorists and pedestrians will be posted shortly on Comcast Channel 34 and on the Rahway Police Department web site www.rahwaypolice.com.  For more information, contact the Rahway Police Department’s Traffic Bureau at (732) 827-2075.