Moore Twp supervisors approve program to deter speeding at elementary school

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

The Moore Township board of supervisors this evening granted unanimous approval to join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Northampton Area School District to install solar powered traffic signals at the township elementary school.

The program, known as the Automated Red Light Enforcement Program and offered by PennDOT, is designed to deter motorists from speeding past Moore Township Elementary School on Route 946 (Mountain View Drive) in the township's Klecknersville section.

Supervisors Chairman Maynard Campbell said the flashing, red lights should convince drivers to slow down in the 15-mph school zone.

That zone is enforced during school hours, Campbell said.

There are no lights on either side of the driveways of the school, however, there are speed limit signs, he said.

"That's the object of it," Campbell said. "These lights in conjunction with the signs are supposed to reduce speed."

Northampton Area Superintendent of Schools Joe Kovalchik said Route 946 is a long, straight road and the elementary school can come up on a motorist quickly. The flashing lights will warn drivers of the school zone.

"It's been a concern for the district for many years," Kovalchik said. "We've been trying to gather funds for signs to help reduce the speed."

Solicitor David Backenstoe said while PennDOT will provide $6,000 in grant funding for the engineering evaluations and equipment for the project, any additional costs would fall on the township.

"It's something you should be aware of," he told supervisors.

Campbell said the program is worth pursuing.

"It seems like a good endeavor for the school district and the township to get into," Campbell said.

Kovalchik said similar flashing lights already have been installed in the street in front of Northampton Area High School. The lights slow down speeders when an estimated 2,600 students at the high school and middle school arrive and depart from school, he said.

"It's definitely helped," he said.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/nazareth/index.ssf/2011/10/moore_twp_supervisors_approve.html