Paid parking may come to Allenhurst train station
Police, borough collaborate on town-wide parking survey
Motorists may have to start paying for the parking spots around the Allenhurst train station [pictured above], pending the results of a town-wide parking survey conducted by the borough and the police.
The borough is working with police captain and traffic safety supervisor Michael Schneider to examine the possible impact of changing these parking rules, Commissioner Chris McLoughlin said.
The main focus of the parking rule changes will be the west side of the train station parking lot. Commissioner McLoughlin said at the April 9 commissioners meeting that meters or car details might be used in that lot.
The east side of the parking lot is owned by NJ Transit, so the town cannot charge any parking fees for those spaces.
“With those spots, it’s an ‘early bird gets the worm’ situation,” Commissioner McLoughlin said.
Commissioner Terence Bolan recommended that paid parking around town up Main Street also be considered, as commuters may choose to use those spots rather than pay for parking.
“It’s the law of unintended consequences,” Bolan said. “If you’re going to do it and it’s that close, people will avoid that and park other places just to avoid the ticket.”
No plans will be made until Captain Schneider completes his full assessment of all parking in town.
“I want him to encompass all the parking in town so I’m not missing something. He’ll make a detailed plan so there’s no loophole, I don’t want to go in half-cocked,” Commissioner McLoughlin said.
