N.J. town fights traffic apps

LEONIA, N.J. — A town less than three km from the George Washington Bridge is putting up the “keep out” sign for motorists seeking a shortcut to the world’s busiest span.

As a response to navigation apps that reroute some of the tens of thousands of vehicles headed to the bridge each morning, the New Jersey town of Leonia started barring the use of side streets to nonresidents during the morning and evening commutes Monday. Violators could face a $200 fine.

Police Chief Thomas Rowe said studies have shown more than 2,000 vehicles often pass through town from just one of the three exits off Interstate 95. Leonia has about 9,200 residents and a police force of 18.

“We are in a unique situation here,” Rowe said. “We are a small town in a very busy area with a very small police force.”

More than 140,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day, most during commuting hours, and when there is an accident, lane closures or other problems, it has a ripple effect. Leonia’s traffic problems have been exacerbated in the last several years as navigation apps such as Waze have exploded in popularity. They are programmed to send motorists to faster routes — and not necessarily with regard for where those routes go, Rowe said.

“Any road that’s open can be used regardless of topography, width, whether it’s through a school zone,” he said. “Sometimes I think they need to do a better job of seeing whether a road is suitable for cut-through traffic.”

That said, Rowe said Waze has been “extremely helpful and extremely co-operative” and has changed its app to reflect the road closures.