One Speed Sign Coming to Newportville Road Within 30 Days
Police Chief CJ Winik told Bristol Township Council that a portable electronic display will be deployed on the road to address resident complaints about speeding and limited shoulder space.
By Chioma Brooks ·
Bristol Township Police Chief CJ Winik informed council members on Oct. 15 that a portable electronic speed display will likely be installed on Newportville Road within the next 30 days. The deployment responds to specific concerns raised by Joyce Morelli, a resident who lives on the road with her husband.
Morelli, who has lived in Bristol Township for more than 70 years and along Newportville Road for 54, attended the council meeting for the first time to describe traffic conditions. She stated that the road has changed dramatically since she moved there, noting the addition of a mall, apartments, and houses in Bensalem that did not exist previously. Morelli said she now cuts grass outside her fence because her husband is no longer able to perform the task, a process she described as dangerous due to vehicles passing close to the property line without slowing down.
The resident reported that her fence has been replaced or repaired seven times, including three times due to speeding-related incidents. She also noted that vehicles have left the roadway and entered her property during winter months. Morelli expressed frustration about determining which agency has jurisdiction to address the issue, having previously contacted both the township and PennDOT regarding enforcement.
Winik explained that enforcing speed limits on Newportville Road is complex because Pennsylvania restrictions limit the use of radar by municipal police. Without radar, officers must use painted lines at measured distances to manually time vehicles, a method Winik described as potentially dangerous on that specific stretch of road. He noted that the department's current trailer-mounted speed display is too large to safely position on Morelli's section of the road.
However, Winik said a smaller sign is available and will be placed on the roadway soon. The department generally leaves these signs at a location for three to six months to influence driving behavior. Winik stated that his proposed 2027 budget includes funds to purchase additional units for troubled roadways throughout the township.
Township Manager Randee Mazur added that the council also agreed to ask the township traffic engineer to examine circulation near Lower Road. Morelli suggested the road should operate as a one-way street due to difficult maneuvering conditions for larger trucks. Mazur confirmed the engineer can evaluate that option even if speeding enforcement remains challenging.
Winik concluded the discussion by stating the signs are the primary tool available for the department to assist residents on that roadway. He told Morelli the signs will help both the police and the community by providing visible feedback to drivers.
