Feds say a blue line in between double yellow lines represents a safety issue for motorists.
SOMERVILLE - Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano said he plans to reach out to state elected officials to get a bill allowing towns to paint blue lines on roads or around local police headquarters to honor law enforcement.
In December, after many New Jersey towns had painted a thin blue line between double yellow lines, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration said in a letter that the practice is unsafe and towns should find another way to honor law enforcement.
Provenzano said he would reach out to N.J. Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman, (R-Somerset) and our other senators in Somerset County to see if they could introduce legislation supporting the painted blue line.
"I know there are other ways to support law enforcement but it (the blue line) is a symbol out there," the sheriff said. "It stands out. I think the blue line would go a long way in showing respect for law enforcement. We are the first line of defense. We're the ones running towards danger while people are running away."
The Highway Administration's letter was in response to an October 2016 letter written by Somerset County's chief Engineer Matthew D. Loper. Loper had requested clarification on the federal guidelines when it comes to painting the blue lines on roadways.
Loper declined comment on Monday in an email.
Patrick Colligan, president of the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association, said he's "shocked" that the FHA had time to weigh in on this issue when traffic deaths were up more than 10 percent in the first half of 2016, which he said is the biggest increase in over 50 years.
"I hope the FHA has more important things on their to-do list," said Colligan, adding that he supports Provenzano but "do we really need to legislate a blue line?
"E-Z Pass paints lines purple. Towns paint lines green for St. Patrick's Day. The FHA never weighs in on that. But when it comes to painting lines blue to honor law enforcement it's a federal issue. It really boggles the mind."
North Plainfield Police Chief William Parenti, head of the Somerset County Police Association of Chiefs of Police, said he understood the Highway Administration's position.
"They feel that a blue line in between two yellow lines isn't discernible," said Parenti, whose town painted a blue line on Somerset Street that will have to be removed.
What's with blue lines on NJ roads?
In its Dec. 8 letter to the Somerset County Engineering Division, the Highway Administration said the painting of blue lines could put "the road user at risk due to misinterpretation of its meaning."
It added that the use of blue lines "as part of centerline markings does not comply with the provisions of the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways)" and blue paint should only be used to mark handicapped parking spaces.
Provenzano said that if a blue line -- which represents an officer's role as the dividing line between peace and chaos -- can't be painted on roads, perhaps they can be painted around or near a town's police headquarters.
"It would be a great way for law enforcement to be recognized and for the public to show their appreciation," he said.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.