Give Hellertown Police Radar to Help 'Bust' Speeders [Letter]

Editor's Note: Pennsylvania is the only state that does not allow local police to use radar monitoring for speed enforcement. Only state police are permitted to use radar.

To the editor:

Some weeks ago I expressed my opinion to all Pa. state senators and representatives in writing that local police in Pennsylvania should be empowered by the legislature to use radar. Since then, folks have countered that idea with their own, indicating that the local constabulary would "take advantage of that."

Since this is the best democracy in the world, we are allowed to counter each other's opinions, and that's a good thing. Think of the First Amendment. However, the only people to be hurt by radar use are the speeders, such as LANTA buses, 18-wheelers, hot rod drivers or motorists who don't give a damn about posted speed limits.

Watch the speeders heading north on Main Street, moving 45 mph or faster at Thomas Avenue in Hellertown. I'd like to see them "busted," just like the wise guys who "have been taken advantage of" on Easton Road during the last year. I rejoice every time I see a Hellertown police officer pull someone over there.

If I am driving 40 mph on Easton Road, I expect and deserve a citation. There happen to be children living nearby. How many pedestrian fatalities have occurred on Main Street in the past decade? Have some been children? It is stupid for walkers to cross in front of vehicles without allowing them to stop in crosswalks. Teenagers in Hellertown seem to be in the majority, although I have been accused of the same stupid behavior.

I challenge the accusers to take a video of my stupid behavior. Prove it, buddy! Enough said!

Lee Weidner
Hellertown

Photo: Patch file photo