Hoboken will begin issuing parking tickets using automated cameras starting in October. The system will target double-parked vehicles, cars blocking bike lanes and bus stops, and vehicles stalling in loading zones along Washington Street.
Internal city data shows persistent parking problems in these areas. Monitored bike lanes were blocked an average of 4.5 hours daily, bus stops were obstructed about 158 times per day, and double-parking violations occurred 68 times daily per location. More than half of loading zone use violated city code.
The automated cameras were approved by the City Council in 2024 to capture images of illegally parked vehicles. It isn’t completely automated. Hoboken Parking Utility staff review the images before mailing citations to registered owners.
A city survey indicated strong support from residents, with cyclists in particular frequently reporting blocked bike lanes. Similar programs in Philadelphia, Miami, and Pittsburgh have shown high compliance. Residents can learn more about the CLEAR program here.
Hoboken’s system reflects a broader trend of parking crackdowns seen across New Jersey. Several municipalities, including Garfield, Dover, and Wood-Ridge, have installed solar-powered poles called SafetySticks. These devices monitor no-parking zones, capturing images of vehicles that overstay time limits and issuing citations after police review. Local officials say the systems improve traffic flow, visibility, and safety in commercial and residential corridors without the need for manual enforcement.
Automated parking enforcement is expanding statewide as towns seek to manage congestion and protect pedestrians. Hoboken joins a growing list of municipalities adopting technology to enforce parking rules efficiently and consistently while emphasizing enforcement and safety over revenue.
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