In mid-September, the Borough of Hatboro contacted PennDOT and requested a speed study and safety review of the area of S York Road between Armour and Crooked Billet Roads be conducted. The requested study and review took place in late September and the results are as follows:                                                    

 Two speed limit studies were completed.  Location #1 – Crooked Billet Rd. side (southbound vehicles).  The results of this study produced an 85^th percentile speed of 42 MPH (10,697 vehicles were analyzed).  The avg. speed is 37 MPH.  Location #2 – Mill Rd. side (northbound vehicles).  The results of this study for produced an 85^th percentile speed of 45 MPH (5,638 vehicles were analyzed).  The avg. speed is 41 MPH.  The posted speed limit is 35 MPH. 

Based on the engineering parameters reviewed, and utilizing the recommendations from USLIMITS 2, a speed limit reduction is not warranted.  

USLIMITS 2 is a web-based tool designed to help practitioners set reasonable, safe, and consistent speed limits for specific segments of roads.  USLIMITS 2 considers all major factors used by practitioners to make engineering judgment in determining an appropriate speed limit.  This includes operating speed (50^thand 85^th percentile), annual average daily traffic (AADT), roadway characteristics and geometric conditions, level of development in the area around the road, number of driveways, crash & injury rates, presence of on-street parking, and extent of ped/bike activity.

Speeding is the most common concern the department receives. It is difficult to address aggressive driving through engineering alone. The most effective and comprehensive safety solutions typically involve a focus on “the 3 E’s (Engineering, Education and Enforcement).” Hatboro Borough can help to curb speeding through education by installing dynamic speed displays on York Rd. This type of countermeasure displays the speed of vehicles as they approach the traffic control device. Speed display signs are implemented by the municipality. 

As discussed during the council meeting held on October 27, 2025,  the Police Department has obtained the necessary information and quotes to acquire two permanent dynamic speed displays, one for each direction. The proposal has been included in 2026 budget submissions for review. In addition, the Police Department will allocate available resources and partner with our State Law Enforcement Partners to increase traffic enforcement in this area moving froward. 

Attached are documents related to to the study and information regarding the efficacy of dynamic speed sign displays published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The Borough of Hatboro and the Hatboro Police Department are committed to ensuring the safety of all who utilize our roadways. We will continue to use every available tool at our disposal to identify and prosecute those who operate their vehicles in an unsafe manner on our roadways.

As always, if you observe someone driving in an unsafe or dangerous manner, gather all available information regarding the vehicle and its operator and contact 911 immediately.