Authorities in Ocean County announced Monday they are stepping up traffic enforcement in the state's fastest growing town after a rash of car crashes resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.
The new detail, which starts Thursday, will focus on the following intersections and roads in Lakewood: Cedar Bridge Avenue and Martin Luther King Blvd.; U.S. 9 and County Road 526 (County Line Road); State Highway 70 and State Highway 88.
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato said the initiative came after 13 fatal crashes, and "numerous" serious collisions have happened on these roads in 2017.
Similar efforts on County Road 539 and on Route 35 in Ocean County have demonstrated success, Coronato said.
"The Policing Partnership details have managed to raise significant awareness among the motoring public regarding roadway safety issues, but more importantly it has led to coordinated efforts by Ocean County Law Enforcement to take important steps toward making commuting Ocean County roadways safer," Coronato said in a statement.
Patrol officers will be targeting those driving under the influence, aggressive drivers and those who ignore traffic laws, like failing to yield, improper turning and following too close.
Officers will also utilize automated license plate readers, Coronato said.
The effort is being led by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office with the cooperation from the Lakewood Police Department and the New Jersey State Police.
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