Caernarvon, Pennsylvania Speed Traps

Not a trap, but finally more police involvement, this area is being saturated with state police more and more after years of complaints from locals. Masssive and problematic speeding along RT 23 West from RT 10 S coming from PA Turnpike, this road is absolutely CLOGGED with tourists during spring and summer months ie… PEAK TOURIST SEASON. Out of state drivers and out of area PA drivers are targets of this police operation. And if you have out of state tags especially NJ or NY and or speeding, you are guaranteed an expensive ticket, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Unmarked and marked units hiding sitting all along RT 23 from Berks County line all the way to the small borough of New Holland, PA. Sadly, too many deadly accidents caused by inattentive and unaware tourists and massive speeding through the towns of Churchtown, Goodville, Blue Ball etc has prompted police involvement. These villages are small with no stop lights or even a stop sign except for Blue Ball which has but one street light, proverbial one horse towns. Rural and full of farms and rolling hills, this is the gateway and the beginning of Lancaster County’s famous and overly visited Amish Country. From Berks County line, (Morgantown), the limit is 45 mph but drivers have been clocked on the many uphill/downhill and straight sections of 23 at more than 70 mph. Lots of curves and a massive passing zone going downhill and then back uphill before entering the village of Churchtown, give drivers especially locals and others, opportunities to pass the inevitable slow moving tourists and sunday drivers that choke this main road to Lancaster and beyond.

This section of RT 23 is notorious for accidents and impatience, especially when it rains or snows. Many bad accidents and near misses occur here due to too much traffic and unknowing visitors not paying attention or knowing where they are headed. Lots of curves, hills and places for staties to hide, especially an unmarked unit, who as of Memorial Day ’05 threw a serious wrench in many visitors’ wallets and plans. He will not hesitate to pursue any speeder, and will aggressively make traffic stops on anyone who blows through the aforementioned villages, where it is 35 mph and clearly and well posted, yet so many ignore these signs. They will nail you for blowing through the open areas before entering and leaving these villages as well.

Holidays, weekends, and spring/summer tourist season is prime hunting time for enforcement. No breaks or warnings given, just expensive welcome souvenirs handed out. Follow the PA Turnpike to Lancaster, and help give locals a break from the neverending traffic and noise. Speed on RT 23 and you will pay dearly for it. Beware.

Great set-up. State trooper sits on either left or right side of overpass. Radios info to up to four chasers waiting in the median turn around at bottom of hill. Can’t see trooper on top of overpass until it’s too late. Check speed at milepost 3 to be safe.