MANCHESTER – Township residents are tired of ATVs disturbing the serenity of their neighborhoods and in response, Manchester Police stepped up patrols earlier this month to address the issue.
Members of the police department’s specialized ATV enforcement operations focusing on residential streets have been out during recent weekends. The purpose of program is to deter people from carelessly and recklessly operating ATVs on neighborhood streets throughout the day and night.
Police said that this was in direct response to recent serious motor vehicle collisions involving ATVs and the numerous citizen complaints that the department receives on a regular basis. Police have noted that this illegal activity is not only extremely dangerous, but is also affecting the quality of life of many Manchester residents.
Streets in various residential neighborhoods were patrolled by township officers and enforced New Jersey Motor Vehicle Laws, as well as, Manchester Township Ordinances concentrating on any illegal ATV activity during the month.
Multiple incidents of illegal ATV activity were observed on public roadways during the weekend operation, including one ATV that drove recklessly down a residential street preforming a wheelie for over 500 feet.
As a result of this effort, Manchester Police issued multiple motor vehicle summonses and will continue to impound all ATVs operating illegally while on public roadways. Police warned that all ATV operators who fail to stop and elude police will be charged with third degree eluding charges.
ATV enforcement operations will continue throughout the summer months. Township Police are reminding residents and visitors not to operate ATVs on residential streets or on private property without written consent from the owner.
