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Wilkes-Barre Curfew: Strict Penalties

WILKES-BARRE — Mayor Thomas Leighton has initiated a curfew in the city of Wilkes-Barre effective 9 p.m. on Monday night until daybreak Tuesday. The curfe...

WILKES-BARRE — Mayor Thomas Leighton has initiated a curfew in the city of Wilkes-Barre effective 9 p.m. on Monday night until daybreak Tuesday. The curfew is in effect for the entire city. The curfew is authorized by city ordinance:

During the emergency curfew, no one not authorized by the proper city and police officials can be on the road, or any other public place outdoors whether it be on foot, bicycle, motorcycle or in a motor vehicle. Anyone who violates any of these rules may be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $300. If people don’t pay the fine, that person may be locked up in jail for a period not exceeding 90 days.

The City of Wilkes-Barre will only permit essential personnel to be on the roadways such as medical personnel for hospitals, senior citizen living facilities, emergency shelters, first responders, journalists and support staff, and essential maintenance workers for city buildings.

This curfew will be strictly enforced by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. People subject to this exemption must carry valid photo ID or documentation from an employer that would permit them to be on the city streets after 9 p.m.

The city and the Commonwealth have declared a state of emergency and businesses should respect these declarations and local officials’ instructions to keep non-essential people off of the road.

“We need the entire community’s support throughout Hurricane Sandy,” said Mayor Leighton, “Businesses, workers, and residents must do whatever is in their power to help the city keep people safe and roadways clear for emergency services and other first responders to do their jobs and keep us safe in the coming days. We greatly appreciate the people’s help and cooperation in the next 72 hours.”

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