Police Remind Residents to Shovel Sidewalks or Face Fines

Wyckoff residents could face fines of up to $500 if they toss snow from their property into the streets or fail to shovel sidewalks, police said recently.

During periods of significant snow accumulation, the Wyckoff Department of Public Works spends hours clearing the roadways to make them safe for motorists. After the roads have been plowed, some residents place snow from driveways into the roadway, Wyckoff Police wrote in a recent public service announcement.

"There have been incidents over the years of persons that have slipped on sidewalks that were not shoveled," said Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox.

Wyckoff Police get calls from residents complaining about having to walk in the street when sidewalks aren't cleared properly, according to Fox.

"Obviously there is an inherent danger in doing that," Fox said.

A recent New Jersey state law prohibits the placement of snow from driveways or sidewalks into the roadway. Poice are asking residents to comply with the new regulations, as well as make sure that private snow plows that are hired to clear their driveway comply as well. Violators are subject to fines of up to $500.

Also, make sure vehicles are clear of ice and snow before you hit the road. A law that went into effect in 2010 requires drivers to at least make "reasonable efforts" to clean their vehicles.

The National Weather Service has predicted possible snow overnight Monday and Tuesday.