Stop Means Stop

Driving through Northampton Township, it's hard to ignore some new signs that have made an appearance at certain intersections.

These signs, emphatically reading "Stop Means Stop" and attached to the sign posts under stop signs, were placed there by the Northampton Township Police Department. The department chose intersections where there have been receiving complaints from residents about travelers running the stop signs.

Officer Steve Kingsdorf, who is part of the Northampton Police Department’s , told Patch that as summer approaches, more people are out on the streets. With children playing and residents walking and riding bikes, they see cars running the stop signs. Officer Kingsdorf said they receive three times the complaints at these intersections from local residents as compared to other times of the year.

With a concern for safety, the NTPD has put these signs up to remind drivers that have become complacent to the signs that “Stop Means Stop.” Drivers should understand that a rolling stop is considered running a stop sign and can result in the same $110.50 in fines and costs with three points added on their driver’s license if they are stopped and ticketed.

In addition to the signs, the NTPD is monitoring the intersections with both marked and unmarked vehicles.

It only takes a couple seconds to stop the car, look and proceed when it is safe to do so. Obeying the stop signs will make everyone on the streets a little safer. In doing so you may avoid an accident, avoid a ticket and fine, avoid points on your driver’s license, and possibly keep your insurance rates lower.

The Stop Means Stop signs are a simple reminder to everyone and can help the entire community stay safe.