News from Upper Makefield

June 2025

New Law Takes Aim at Distracted Driving

A new Pennsylvania law zeroes in on the use of hand-held mobile phones and devices. Although using these devices hands-free will still be permitted, it will now be illegal to use any hand-held device while driving, even if you are temporarily stopped in traffic, at a red light or stop sign.

By designating such use a primary violation, the law allows police officers to stop a vehicle solely related to use of hand-held devices. Named for a victim of distracted driving, the Paul Miller Law took effect June 5, 2025.

The Upper Makefield Township Police encourage drivers to take a moment to review details about the new law and to reconsider any other distracted driving habits so that together we can continue to make our roadways safer for all.

Texting, Scrolling and Dialing Prohibited

Texting, scrolling and dialing on a hand-held cell phone are all prohibited, even when stopped in traffic or at a red light.

To safely use your device, you must move your vehicle to the side of the road or off the highway and come to a stop where you can safely remain for the call. An exemption allows for an emergency call, like dialing 911.
Hands-free operation is still permitted.

Until June 2026, drivers observed breaking the Paul Miller Law will receive a written warning. After this 12-month warning period, the penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.

Distractions are Everywhere

Anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road poses a risk. Here are some reminders for yourself and your family:

Eating, drinking and smoking. These all create safety problems because they often require you to take your hands off the wheel and take your eyes off the road. Drivers who eat or drink while driving have trouble controlling their vehicle, staying in their lane and have to brake more often.
Adjusting the radio.
Talking or texting on a cellphone or smartphone.
Interacting with other passengers. This is particularly a problem for novice or teenage drivers. Statistics show that a teen driver with other teens as passengers is more likely to have a crash than if they are driving alone or with adult passengers.
Searching for or moving an object in the vehicle.
Reading or writing.
Personal grooming (combing hair, applying makeup).
Rubbernecking when passing a crash scene or a work zone.
Looking at people, objects or events happening off the roadway.

Upper Makefield Police

More Trees for Upper Makefield

Upper Makefield’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) wants to make a big impact this fall by planting native trees in a large area or along select stream banks, and they would like your suggestions.

Please Send Your Suggestions to the EAC

If you know of a strategic space that's an acre or more, publicly or privately owned, or a nice stretch along a stream’s edge where a larger scale reforestation project would benefit our community, please reach out with your suggestion. We would also like to hear from anyone interested in helping with the plantings. Email the EAC.

To learn more, or to discuss other environmental topics, you are invited to attend the EAC’s public meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Township building.

Tree Grants Available

Upper Makefield’s Tree Grant program, funded by contributions from local developers, is one way Upper Makefield supports building the Township’s tree canopy. With plantings each spring and fall, property owners can defray the cost of landscaping when they plant native trees and install protective deer fencing. Before purchasing trees, please review the application guidelines. View this page and download the application form.

Image is from Bucks Beautiful.

Environmental Advisory Council

Stormwater Management

What is Stormwater Runoff?

Did you know that how you maintain your property makes a big difference in our water quality?

When it rains, stormwater runs over yards, streets, highways, parking lots, parks and playgrounds, carrying with it everything in its path - including debris and pollutants. Eventually, the water travels to a stream, either over land or via a storm drain. Storm drains are frequently located alongside streets and parking lots. Unlike sanitary sewers that divert water to a treatment plant directly from your home, storm drains lead directly to surrounding lakes and rivers without any type of treatment. All the debris and pollutants that were picked up by stormwater runoff end up in our streams!

Where Does the Pollution Come From?

Most contaminants are made up of common items used by residents, businesses and visitors, including: fertilizers, car oils and greases, yard clippings, and pet wastes. Below are some tips you can follow to help keep pollution from entering lakes and streams via stormwater runoff.

Tips to Keep Your Rivers, Lakes and Streams Clean

Never dump anything down a storm drain!
Use an oil pan when changing oil to keep fluids off the pavement. Check local body shops to find a place to appropriately dispose of used oil.
Bag pet waste and dispose of it in a trash can.
Leave grass clippings on your lawn as an alternate nutrient to fertilizer. If a fertilizer is necessary, choose a slow-release product and test your soil to find out how much fertilizer your lawn actually needs.
Wash your car on your lawn so excess water, chemicals, and dirt are filtered through the lawn.
Keep household hazardous wastes, such as harsh cleaners, paint, car fluids, and batteries from entering lakes and streams by disposing at a household hazardous waste center. Try using environmentally-safe alternatives or recipes with non-hazardous ingredients.
Use a broom rather than a hose to clean up grass clippings and dirt.
Keep a trash bag in your car - and use it!

Stormwater Management

Permit Reminder

Most Home Improvements Require Permits

From decks and driveways to sheds and solar panels, most home improvements in Upper Makefield Township require a permit from the Planning & Zoning Department. Find permit applications and project checklists on the Township website.

Permitting can take several weeks, so please plan ahead by submitting early and calling or emailing the Planning & Zoning office with any questions before you submit your application.

Tree Removal Requires a Permit

You'll also need a permit to remove any tree with a 10-inch or more diameter. This application also takes time to prepare. Your application must include a plot plan noting all trees and a reforestation (tree replacement) plan, as well as a Certificate of Insurance from your arborist naming Upper Makefield as "Certificate Holder."

Details are within the Tree Removal dropdown at the bottom of the Planning & Zoning page.

Planning & Zoning

E-Bike and E-Scooter Battery Safety

If you are among those riding the e-bike and e-scooter trend, please get to know how to safely use, store and recycle the lithium-ion batteries that propel these bikes and scooters. Damaged or defective batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode. Lithium-ion battery fires burn extremely hot while giving off toxic gases.

The National Fire Protection Association and Fire Marshal John Kernan offer these tips:

Safe Use

Store e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries away from direct sunlight or hot vehicles, children and any liquids. If stored inside, keep them away from exit doors and anything that can get hot or catch fire.
Only use batteries and devices that display their nationally recognized testing lab approvals. (Applied Technical Services, ACT Lab, UL Solutions and Intertek are among nationally recognized independent labs.)
Make sure you use only batteries and chargers that come with the device. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not charge batteries at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use only a qualified professional for repairs.
Dispose of lithium-ion batteries at a designated battery recycling location. In Bucks County, check here for disposal locations and dates as provided by the Bucks County Household Hazardous Waste Collection program.
Stop using an e-bike or e-scooter if you notice an unusual odor, change in color, too much heat, a change in shape, leaking, smoking and if the battery is not holding a charge.

Image is from the Pennsylvania guide to e-bike safety.

E-Bike Safety

It Takes Many Talents

Upper Makefield Fire Company Volunteers Needed 

Upper Makefield Fire Company (UMFC) is looking for new members! If you would like to give back to your community, UMFC has a spot for you. There are many ways to help, including: Firefighters, junior firefighters and volunteers with backgrounds in IT, finance, and facilities management. To learn how you can help support our volunteer fire department, visit umfc.org.

Upper Makefield Fire Company

Roundup

Ready Bucks. Sign up to receive emergency alerts when you register with Ready Bucks. You choose how to be notified - phone, email, text – to receive time-sensitive information affecting our area. To receive text and/or email alerts related to Energy Transfer/Sunoco pipeline activity in Mt. Eyre Manor, follow this link.

Washington Crossing Bridge Alternatives Analysis. Follow the ongoing Bridge Alternatives Analysis via posts to the project website and by attending public meetings of the Delaware River Joint Bridge Commission (DRJBC), the governing entity for the Washington Crossing Bridge. Attend DRJBC meetings virtually or in person.

Register Now for July 4th RevRun. Kick off your 4th of July celebrations with a morning Fun Run, 5k or 10k race at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Profits will be shared with the community through scholarships, donations to emergency and fire services, and to Washington Crossing Historic Park. Registration.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Dates. Use this link to view this year's dates plus lists of what is and what is not accepted for recycling.