Jamesburg targeting motorists’ cell phones

Use while driving may be prohibited.

By: Al Wicklund
JAMESBURG — Motorists using hand-held cellphones while driving on borough streets could face $200 fines starting in mid-June.
   An ordinance banning the use of the phones by drivers was introduced by the Borough Council Wednesday.
   Borough Attorney Fred Raffetto said the council will give the ordinance a second reading, hold a public hearing and have a final vote at its June 11 meeting.
   "It will become effective upon publication," Mr. Raffetto said.
   Borough Clerk Gretchen McCarthy said she expected to have the ordinance published on June 16.
   The ordinance will cover mobile telephones, "including but not limited to cellular, analog, wireless and digital telephones."
   The use of the phone is defined in the ordinance to include dialing, answering, talking or listening.
   Mayor Tony LaMantia said the restrictions on drivers using phones is particularly important in Jamesburg because "it’s a walking town," with many residents walking to stores, schools and public activities, and it is a heavily-trafficked town with commuters and delivery vehicles on such arteries as Buckelew Avenue, Forsgate Drive, Half Acre Road and Perrineville Road.
   "It’s a matter of public safety pure and simple," the mayor said.
   The ordinance permits certain uses including the use by persons’ contacting public safety agents, the use of the phone by law enforcement and other emergency workers while performing their duties and the use by persons in parked vehicles.
   It also permits the use of a head set or other hands-free device that will allow the driver to have both hands on the steering wheel.