Grant puts undercover cops at O.B. crosswalks
Police set out to promote safety for pedestrians
BY LAUREN CIRAULO Staff Writer

OLD BRIDGE — Residents afoot will soon travel more safely on local streets with the launch of the police department's new pedestrian safety programs.

The Township Council voted June 22 to approve the use of a $5,000 state "pedestrian decoy" grant after the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) deemed the town eligible for the funds.

"There are so many quality-of-life issues in Old Bridge," said Police Chief Thomas Callow. "We have to do everything we can to ensure safety by appropriating funds for enforcement, education and visibility. This will act as a deterrent and safety measure."

The program, along with a similar "Cops in Crosswalks" campaign, will focus on such safety precautions.

"Cops in Crosswalks" places undercover police officers posing as pedestrians at problem intersections around the township. The undercover officers will ticket motorists who fail to yield to them. Those drivers who do not stop will be subjected to a $100 fine, court costs, and two points on their driver's license.

According to Collow, areas that will be monitored closely include Route 516 in the Browntown section and the Old Bridge Senior Center on Ticetown Road.

"Senior citizens like to walk the short distance from the center to the Ticetown shops," Collow said. "That exit ramp onto Route 9 is extremely dangerous for them."

Collow said that while there are many problem intersections on Route 9, the police department is not allowed to monitor them because they are part of a state highway.

The "pedestrian decoy" program primarily focuses on educating both motorists and pedestrians about taking proper precautions. Pamphlets from the DOT and the police department explaining traffic laws and advising safety will be distributed among residents.

"Both programs are about education when it comes down to it," Collow said. "We're really not out to issue tickets. We're trying to make the roads safe and make people aware."

Despite optimism from Collow, not all members of the Township Council were pleased with the allocation of the grant money.

"This money can be used in better ways," Councilman Richard Greene said. Greene and Brian Cahill, both Republicans on a Democrat controlled council, voted against the resolution. "I just think we need to focus on putting more of a presence out there and enforcing the laws."

Cahill inquired whether police could use the grant money to fund other aspects of the department.

But other members of the council thought the program was much needed, given the amount of traffic in Old Bridge.

"I trust your ability to dispense money in an appropriate fashion," said council President Edward Testino, a Democrat. "And, in reality, a program like this is necessary. It's become more and more dangerous on our roadways."

The programs, which will start in early July, are comprised of a team of three to four officers specially trained in pedestrian safety.

In addition to pedestrian safety, a $4,000- state grant for the "Obey the Signs or Pay the Fines" campaign has been approved by the council. According to Collow, the monthlong statewide program will focus on speed enforcement to help motorists remain safe over the summer. During July, officers will be targeting speeders in specific problem areas in Old Bridge to deter them from driving aggressively.

"When people see the black and white patrol cars, they get scared," said Collow. "So we're going to have as many cars out there to scare drivers into sticking with the speed limit. We're out to make safety a priority."