Toms River, New Jersey – Ocean County Commissioner Joe Vicari is worried about thick cables dangling above the heads of residents and tourists alike throughout Ocean County.
Now, he is calling for an executive order to address the issue of low-hanging and sagging telecommunication cables that pose a safety threat to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.
Vicari, Director of the Board of Commissioners, addressed the problem during a 30-minute phone conversation with Bob Brabston, executive director of the state Board of Public Utilities.
“Some of these thick cables are hanging just four feet over the shoulder or the sidewalk. Someone, especially a child, could be seriously injured by these lines,” Vicari said. He also wrote to Governor Phil Murphy requesting him to take more direct and immediate action to address the issue.
“I am asking you to consider implementing an executive order that would require twice-yearly inspections and repairs, if necessary, of utility poles and lines throughout the state,” Vicari said in the letter.
While the wires are not energized electrical lines, Vicari said they still pose a safety threat.
“These companies need to be held responsible. They need to maintain their property just like any other business or homeowner,” he added.
Because the cable deregulation laws hamstring the Board of Public Utilities passed nearly 40 years ago, an executive order is needed, according to Vicari. He said such an order could begin with a trial effort in Ocean County, which has more than 618 miles of county roads, and most of its infrastructure is above ground.
“We would make an ideal location to host a pilot program for this important effort,” Vicari said. He has been trying to combat this problem for more than a decade and has personally taken photos of sagging lines throughout the county.
As the summer draws closer, Vicari said the county’s population will jump from almost 700,000 to more than 1.3 million people, putting more individuals at risk from these cables.
“The power companies, the cable and phone companies – everyone says they are not responsible for the problem,” he said. “Someone has to step forward and solve this. Someone has to act.”
