A change in the speed limit from 35 to 25 mph on the Yardley-Newtown Road from Washington Avenue to Lower Dolington Road isn’t sitting well with some drivers. [Read "Speed Limit Reduced on Newtown-Yardley Road. North Sycamore Street Is Next."]
In a social media post, motorists slammed the change, which was made by the township's board of supervisors in January at the request of the residents of Newtown Walk.
The residents of Newtown Walk had lobbied to improve pedestrian safety at a mid-block crosswalk at Tara Boulevard with a lower speed limit and pulsating beacon lights.
“Who’s bright idea was it to lower the speed from 35 to 25 mph?” asked one driver in a Facebook post, which drew more than 50 responses.
Some speculated that the township made the change to boost revenue from speeding tickets. Others quickly dispelled that thought explaining that the local municipality actually gets very little from a speeding ticket, with much of the money going to the state.
Several also brought politics into the debate despite the fact that it was a nonpartisan, unanimous vote of the supervisors.
“Man some folks are babies on this post,” one driver concluded. “How much time will going 25 mph add to your drive? It’s about public safety and careless drivers that prompt changes like this. Jeez.”
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I believe these comments were in response to a Newtown Twp Police Department FB post that said, in part, “After extensive traffic engineer research, directed patrol efforts, and community engagement, the speed reduction (35 to 25mph) along Newtown Yardley Road (Washington Avenue) from the Newtown borough limits to Dolington Road has been approved by the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors.”
Some people - I can't believe this - are complaining that this is a “shameless money grab.” As if the township makes a mint off speeding tickets! And another comment I saw: “We all must suffer for a few.” Such suffering! For what? Just to possibly save the life of a child? [I’m being sarcastic here in case you are wondering. I 100% support the lower speed limit.]
UPDATE (5/24/23):
I have analyzed NTPD TRAFFIC CITATION for Jan - Mar 2023 (the only data I have) and found this:
In March, the NTPD issued 3 citations for "MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS ESTABLISHED ZONES" at location of "600 Newtown-Yardley Rd" on 3/2/23, 3/12/23, and 3/13/23. In addition, 2 more citations for speeding on "Newtown-Yardley Rd" were issued on 3/12/23 and 3/23/23 (unknown exact location). In February, the NTPD issued 2 citation for "MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS ESTABLISHED ZONES" at location of "600 Newtown-Yardley Rd" on 2/20/23 and 2/25/23 and on "Newtown-Yardley Rd" (unspecified location) on 2/21/23. No speeding tickets were issued to drivers on Newtown-Yardley Rd in Jan 2023. Also, none for ALL of 2022!
Drivers also have been given citations on Newtown-Yardley Rd on other days for other reasons (especially in Feb and Mar).
In June 2023, Newtown Township Police issued 27 speeding citations on Newtown-Yardley Road (24) and Tara Blvd (3).
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