Police Say Enforcement Is Not An Issue On Allen Road

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — There has been much controversy surrounding the safety of Allen Road in Bernards Township after two pedestrians were hit by cars in the past year — one was killed a couple of weeks ago.

However, despite residents' claims Bernards Township Police do not believe enforcement of the roadway is the issue.

"As of last week there were 860 motor vehicle stops on Allen Road in 2016," Bernards Township Police Lt. Scott Ward told Patch.

As of Oct. 12 there were 108 traffic stops with 67 motor vehicle violations. Of those stopped, 20 were residents of Basking Ridge and the rest were from Bedminster, Warren or the surrounding area.

Concerned residents spoke out at the Oct. 11 Bernards Township’s Committee meeting about speeding on Allen Road and have also started a petition to add traffic lights to the road.

Doug Dolgin, who started the petition was hit by a speeding car on Dec. 15, 2015 on Allen Road at the intersection of Patriot Hill/Hamilton Woods. He suffered a severely damaged left leg, requiring five major surgeries in 14 days and his two dogs were killed.

Dolgin claimed at the meeting that he used a radar gun to track drivers and the average number of drivers were speeding.

Patch was invited out to the intersection of Allen Road and Federal Drive where a traffic light is being proposed at the Rite Aid entrance.

Ward used a radar gun to track about 20 passing vehicles in the afternoon on Monday when school is let out.

Drivers were clocked at driving anywhere between 27 to 45 mph on the 35mph speed limit roadway.

While at the intersection several pedestrians including a student crossed the roadway with no issue.

Ward is unsure whether a traffic light is necessary or would help with residents complaints of speeding.

What do you think? Do you think Allen Road is a safety issue?

(Photo by Alexis Tarrazi: Bernards Township Police Lt. Scott Ward uses a radar gun to track drivers on Allen Road)

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