Howell, NJ – A Howell Township resident has filed a lawsuit against the municipality, alleging officials knowingly maintained an unsafe and незаконно set speed limit on a residential road, creating ongoing risks for drivers and pedestrians.
The complaint, filed in Monmouth County Superior Court by Tony P. Ciaravino, claims the township improperly enforced a 40 mph speed limit on Aldrich Road without conducting a legally required engineering and traffic study. The lawsuit argues the road should default to New Jersey’s statutory 25 mph residential speed limit.
Ciaravino alleges the township’s actions violated state law, including N.J.S.A. 39:4-98 and N.J.A.C. 16:40-3.1, which govern how speed limits are established and justified.
Key Points
- Lawsuit claims Howell Township failed to justify 40 mph speed limit on residential road
- Plaintiff alleges lack of required engineering study violates New Jersey law
- Filing cites ongoing safety risks including speeding, near-misses, and traffic hazards
Claims of ongoing safety hazards
According to the complaint, Aldrich Road is a residential area with homes, driveways, school bus routes, and limited visibility due to hills and sun glare. The filing alleges the higher speed limit has contributed to “chronic speeding,” unsafe passing, and vehicles leaving the roadway.
The lawsuit further claims there have been multiple near-miss incidents involving pedestrians and a lack of adequate enforcement.
Ciaravino states that despite repeated complaints and outreach to township officials throughout 2024 and 2025, no corrective action was taken.
Township response and legal arguments
Correspondence included in the filing shows township officials acknowledged discussions about potentially lowering the speed limit but did not commit to a timeline for changes.
The complaint argues the township acted “arbitrarily, capriciously, and unreasonably” by continuing to enforce the higher speed without updated studies, and failed in its duty to protect public safety.
Ciaravino is seeking relief from the court related to the alleged violations and hazardous conditions.