'Transplants' Blamed for Speed Limit Some See as Too Low

A recent question about speeding on Easton Road in Lower Saucon Township elicited more than 50 comments from Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch readers when it was posted on the site's Facebook page.

The majority of readers who responded to the question said they think speeding and tailgating are issues on Easton Road, which is a major east-west thoroughfare in the eastern part of the township.

But many said they think the lowered speed limit on the road is to blame, and some blamed recently-relocated residents to the area, or "transplants," for the lowered limit.

According to an article published by the Morning Call's "Road Warrior" columnist, Dan Hartzell, the speed limit was reduced about three years ago—and prompted complaints from motorists at the time.

"Lowering the limit from 55 to 40 was an asinine thing to do," wrote Andrew Meilinger. "Especially since it was changed for a few whining transplants from out of state."

"There was no tailgating when it had a proper limit," Meilinger contended, and he argued that instead of a lowered speed limit, a blinking yellow/red light at Easton and Lower Saucon roads "would have sufficed."

Les Beyer agreed.

"There are far more homes and bus stops between Ringhoffer and Cherry Lane and that is 45 mph. Keep the speed limit a consistent 45 at least to Old Williams Church," he wrote.

Emilia Anna Yarembinsky, however, said putting all the blame for the speed limit reduction on recent transplants to the area is wrong, and argued that safety should be the first consideration in any calculation of the speed limit.

"People are going 60 plus miles [an hour] on Easton Road," she wrote. "As far as what the speed limit was I don't know. When I moved here it was 45. If you need to go somewhere, leave early. Where are you rushing to go?! Tailgating is dangerous and I have precious cargo—my children. Safety should come first period!"

Referencing comments that put the blame on recent transplants to the area, she wrote, "I just don't get all the hate."

What do you think about the speed limit on Easton Road? Is it appropriate, or was it lowered too far? Do you think it was lowered to satisfy recent transplants to the area? Tell us in the comments.

Photo: Easton Road near Ringhoffer Road in Lower Saucon Township (file photo)