Borough Council Discusses Traffic Calming Measures

Residents are requesting that Newtown Borough implement traffic calming measures to slow cars coming off the bypass and driving through town, Mayor Dennis O'Brien told Borough Council Wednesday. 

But not all council members were completely supportive of the concept.

"Everyone wants a speed bump, but they don't want it in front of their house," Council President Bob Walker said. He said noise from the cars going over the bumps and possible stormwater drainage problems are potential issues caused by traffic calming devices.

O'Brien said another complication is the potential for the borough to be held liable if a car is damaged while going over the bump.

The has recently begun using devices to gather data on the amount of vehicles and their approximate speed as they travel throughout the borough, O'Brien told council.

Additionally, the mayor said police have ramped up patrols and are now using a mobile trailer to show drivers their speed. In recent weeks, police have stopped several dozen vehicles, O'Brien added.

Also on Wednesday, council agreed to review the borough's noise ordinance after some residents complained about disturbances from neighbors using snow blowers late at night and before sunrise.

The ordinance prohibits loud equipment between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. but exempts snow removal equipment, solicitor William Bolla said.

The ordinance will be reviewed and discussed at a later date.