LAKEHURST – People are likely guilty of breaking this law every day in Lakehurst and they probably don’t even know it.
You can’t make a turn into the borough’s Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot on Hibernia Way, despite the fact that people can be seen doing it.
While some local social media posts claim this is an everyday occurrence, others disagree.
Borough Mayor Harry Robbins told The Manchester Times the borough’s planning board approved the sign as part of the application Dunkin made years ago when it applied to open. “It was seen as the best way to navigate the traffic and really haven’t had much of a problem.”
How often do violations occur though? Not often according to Borough Police Chief Matthew Kline.
He said, “over the years, I cannot recall any accidents and there is no record of any accidents from entering the wrong way in our records management system.”
“Additionally, we have not received any complaints over the years about any safety issues regarding the exit and entrance of the Dunkin’ Donuts off Hibernia Avenue,” the Chief added.
Chief Kline said, “at this time, there is no safety concern/issue due to the fact of there not being any accidents or violations issued on the private property of Dunkin’ Donuts.”
The donut/coffee chain shares space with a gas station on Route 37 in the borough and is a prime spot for those seeking fuel and caffeine.
Dunkin doesn’t seem to have a problem with the configuration of entrance and exciting their establishment. A Dunkin’ staff member wasn’t aware of any signage violation issue but said she wasn’t allowed to officially speak for the company due to corporate policy.
She referred questions from The Manchester Times to their regional office who never responded.
Borough residents are awaiting the building and opening of a Wawa convenience store that will include gas pumps. This new store is currently in the construction process and is based near the Lakehurst circle across from the Borough police station and the Lakehurst Plaza strip mall.
Similar to the Dunkin’ Donuts store, the traffic flow was said to have been planned out to curb high volume entrance and exits.
