The Alternative Press

CHATHAM BOROUGH, NJ - If you've wondered how serious law enforcement is about cracking down on drivers who use hand-held cell phones, the number of tickets given this week in Chatham will give you the answer.

On Aug. 29, the police department conducted a cell phone and crosswalk enforcement detail downtown. Seven officers participated in the detail, and between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., they stopped 52 cars. The stops resulted in 30 warnings and 29 summonses. Of the summonses issued, 17 were for using a hand-held cell phone.

The remainder of the summonses included careless driving, unregistered vehicles, unlicensed drivers, uninspected vehicles and having a cracked windshield.

According to police, the first part of the detail focused on crosswalk violations. Most drivers received warnings to remind them that they are required to stop for pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Previously, drivers were only required to yield to pedestrians crossing. The second part focused on drivers using handheld phones.

Police Chief Philip Crosson said drivers need to remember that with schools going back in session next week, it is important that motorists are fully aware of what is happening all around them and they can expect to see continued enforcement throughout the borough.