If you're one of the many people in New Jersey that has had to deal with long lines at gas stations or endless drives trying to find a station with gas, things became a little easier Friday night.
Governor Chris Christie and Attorney General Jeff Chiesa decided together last night that 12 counties in N.J. will be going on a gas rationing system to help improve the health, welfare and safety of citizens trying to get gas.
The counties affected include Essex, Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties.
Click here to see the entire list.
"As New Jerseyans continue the long process of recovering from Hurricane Sandy, it's imperative that our families have secure, reliable access to essential supplies like fuel. Right now, the impact of the storm, particularly the continuance of widespread power outages, has created the disorderly sale of gas - including long lines, out of operation stations, and stations facing shortages," said Governor Christie about the rationing. "This system will ease the strain on those gas stations still operating, while we work to bring more online for the public to access fuel, in a manner that is fair, easy to understand, and less stressful."
Drivers in the 12 counties affected whose license plates end in even numbers can only fill up on even-numbered days. Likewise, odd-numbered plates can fill up on odd numbered days. Plates that don't end in a number are also allowed to go on odd numbered days as well.
The rationing plan started today and will remain in effect according to The Star-Ledger until Christie decides the emergency is over.
N.J. residents have been forced to wait at gas stations on foot with gas cans in hand or in their cars, which wastes gas in itself and usually it's for an average of one to three hours at a time. Some people have been driving out of state to get gas as well.
"The orderly and reliable sale of gas to our residents is essential to maintaining a steady and reliable source of power for both transportation and the maintenance of essential services at home. With the challenges we face in the storm's aftermath, we will be vigilant in enforcing this odd-even system, as we ease the stresses on the system," said Attorney General Jeffery S. Chiesa. "I encourage all New Jerseyans to abide by this system, motorists and retail dealers alike, to ease wait times and improve access for everyone."
Christie warned drivers that he has told police officials in all 12 counties to make sure stations are refusing to sell to people who shouldn't be buying gas on that specific day and if anyone is caught doing so they will be "prosecuted to the fullest extent."
Related Articles:
New York And New Jersey Gas Stations Running Out Of Gas, How To Find A Station With Gas, Shortages Affecting Power Restoration (PHOTOS)
NJ Transit Suffers Setback, Power Coming Back Slower Than Expected, Only One Train Running To Penn Station (SEE SCHEDULE)
Red Cross Receives 50 Vehicles From Chevrolet To Aid Hurricane Sandy Victims
$1.84 For A Gallon Of Gas At Jersey City Exxon Station, First 150 Customers Eligible
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
