Babylon Enacts New Measures To Fix Beach Traffic, Parking Issues

BABYLON, NY — After last weekend's traffic and illegal parking issues along Ocean Parkway, the Town of Babylon has developed new measures to help fix the beach traffic situation created by the coronavirus capacity rules. Last Sunday, after Robert Moses State Park and Babylon town beaches closed at 50 percent capacity, traffic backups of several hours ensnared beach goers and some attempted to illegally enter the beaches by parking along Ocean Parkway and cross the protected dune areas.

On Thursday, Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer's office announced several new measures to try to address the issues. The town has been posting real-time updates on the Parks Department Facebook page to alert residents when the beaches are at capacity to reduce traffic but now is also adding an email subscription list residents can use to get the latest information on when beaches close.

And cars parked on Ocean Parkway will get ticketed and towed, Schaffer warned.

"We are coordinating with our partners in both the New York State Parks and Police departments to remediate these issues, and strictly enforce the no-parking mandate on Ocean Parkway. Tow trucks will be on scene this coming weekend to ensure compliance,” he said in a news release.

Electronic signs on Southern State Parkway, Sunrise and Montauk Highways will have messages warning when the beaches are at capacity and displaying estimated travel time for the Robert Moses bridge.

"Those who park illegally along Ocean Parkway—all non-emergency stopping is illegal— will be subject to fines and towing as part of a joint enforcement effort by the Town of Babylon and New York State Police. The town will have tow trucks and flatbeds patrolling Ocean Parkway to remove violators’ vehicles," the supervisor's office says.

"Schaffer said he understands the frustrations of residents who have difficulties accessing the beach facilities due to New York State social distancing mandates, but that they are in place to keep residents safe and healthy with the imminent threat of COVID-19 transmission in the region."