By Chief Phil Olivo, Pennsauken Township Police Department

Pennsauken is a thriving community, consisting of a diverse group of people coming from a variety of different backgrounds. And while a growing town is a very good thing, it can be difficult to find a place to park. Our department has started to see an increase in issues related to parking on Township streets, some of which I’ll be sharing in this article.

There is a Township ordinance regarding the parking of larger vehicles, like trucks and buses. Vehicles that weigh more than 7,000 pounds are not allowed to be parked on public roads between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. In addition, trucks in excess of four tons are only allowed to travel on specific truck routes designated for our community.

When it comes to trailers on Township streets, including the ones used by landscapers in town: if it is actively being used at that location for commercial purposes and is in a safe place that isn’t a traffic hazard, they can be temporarily parked on that street. The trailer must be removed at the conclusion of the active work and cannot be parked overnight.

We’ve also been finding increased cases of residents saving parking spaces with traffic cones and the like. Only the Commissioner of Transportation of the State of New Jersey or the municipality can regulate parking spaces. Anyone is free to park on public streets; reserving spots can lead to physical confrontations and serious injury. When it comes to parking, we need to practice patience, understanding, and civility.

Residents with non-emergency traffic-related concerns (speeding, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, etc.) can email the Pennsauken Township Police Department at traffic@pennsaukenpolice.org. They can also send tips anonymously through the Pennsauken PD app from their smartphone. The Pennsauken PD app is available for download for free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store or at https://www.tip411.com/sign_up.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and stay safe!