Several New Jersey towns are deploying a new tool to enforce no-parking zones using automated devices called SafetySticks.
The solar-powered poles, developed by Municipal Parking Services, are equipped with radar sensors and HD cameras that monitor designated areas. When a vehicle enters a no-parking zone, the system captures an image. If the car remains past a preset time—often 60 seconds or two minutes—another image is taken. If the violation is confirmed, the ticket is sent by mail following a police review.
The company handles maintenance and violation processing. According to the manufacturer, municipalities pay only a software licensing fee.
Towns using the technology include Garfield, Dover, North Arlington, Hasbrouck Heights, Little Falls, and Wood-Ridge.
Local officials say the goal is to improve safety, not generate revenue. In Wood-Ridge, where SafetySticks have been placed in commercial areas, officials said the effort would be considered fully successful if illegal parking stopped and no tickets needed to be issued.
Garfield Police have used the system for three years where local officers say it has helped reduce illegal parking and improved compliance.
In Hasbrouck Heights, the devices were installed along Boulevard to improve visibility and ease traffic at intersections.
Though the system bears similarities to red light cameras, which were banned in New Jersey in 2014, local officials say the SafetyStick is focused specifically on safety violations in clearly marked no-parking areas.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.