PARSIPPANY, NJ – An impromptu car meet in Parsippany caused problems for locals and police on Sunday.
Police officers began to raise concerns after they observed a large number of vehicles entering Arlington Plaza for a 2-hour car event, where organizers did not notify police.
Traffic safety issues were reported along Route 46 entering the parking lot as hundreds of cars waited to enter the lot, backing up traffic. Even as the lot filled, cars continued coming.
“Officers made contact with the event planner who did not believe that the turn out would be as large as it was for his event. The planner and other personnel assisted officers with moving improperly parked vehicles in an attempt to reduce any hazards on the property of Arlington Plaza,” the department said. “Due to the amount of vehicles on the exterior roadways attempting to enter the parking lot, all entrances to the plaza were blocked off. Officers, assisted by other nearby towns, also blocked off turn lanes and ramps so all traffic had to continue down Route 46 East or West.”
The police presence and the traffic made it impossible for many who just wanted to shop at the plaza to get into the parking lot for a short time.
“Unfortunately, during the initial phase of diverting traffic out of the area, we had to direct may residents and others away from the area who were attempting to enter the shopping plaza to visit the stores. Please understand our first priority is the safety of everyone on site, along with clearing out the excessive traffic which hinders our first responders ability to get to emergencies,” the department said today.”Once traffic congestion eased, officers were able to speak with drivers attempting to enter the plaza and let them in to the businesses.”
Police did not say if any charges or citations were issued regarding the incident.