Philadelphia’s City Council is taking significant steps towards enhancing road safety by advancing legislation that will allow the installation of automated speed cameras on three major stretches of state routes in the city.
This development follows a growing concern over speeding and road safety, especially along state routes 1004 (Erie and Torresdale avenues), 2001 (Oregon Avenue, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Delaware Avenue, and Richmond Street), and 2016 (Allegheny Avenue).
Collectively, the authorized cameras will cover more than 25 miles of roadway, aiming to curb reckless driving behaviors.
The automated devices will track vehicle speeds and photograph license plates of drivers detected traveling 11 mph or more over the designated speed limits.
Fines range from $100 to $150, depending on the level of excess speed.
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration has previously implemented automated enforcement measures on Roosevelt Boulevard since 2020, attributing a 21% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes to this initiative, along with a remarkable 50% decrease in pedestrian-involved collisions.
Just last month, speed cameras were activated on Broad Street, and similar devices received approval for Route 13, which traverses sections of Baltimore Avenue and nearby streets.
The recent recommendations to include the three new routes were based on thorough analyses regarding serious crashes, instances of speeding, pedestrian collisions, and the overall characteristics of the roadways.
However, the move to forward the bill wasn’t without scrutiny.
Councilmember Jeffrey Young Jr., who leads the Committee on Streets and Services, raised concerns regarding the data that justified the implementation of speed cameras.
He specifically sought clarification on how the speed limits were determined.
Officials from the city’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems noted that the speed limits are established through confidential studies conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
As part of the speed camera initiative, officials indicated that limits for the three state routes would be reexamined.
Young emphasized the importance of access to this information, suggesting that lawmakers may face backlash regarding any opposition to the program.
Inquiries had also arisen from Councilmembers Nina Ahmad and Cindy Bass about why Lincoln Drive was excluded from the list of routes earmarked for automated enforcement.
The Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems stated the intention to concentrate resources on areas that require targeted intervention, in compliance with state regulations.
A law signed by Governor Josh Shapiro at the end of 2023 solidified the pilot program for Roosevelt Boulevard and authorized the city’s expansion to five additional state routes for automated speed enforcement.
Once the three new routes receive final approval, no further additions can occur without new state legislation.
Additionally, this 2023 statute also permits the city to deploy speed enforcement measures in school zones.
In May, Parker signed new legislation designating seven school zones for the program, though only five zones can operate simultaneously.
The speed cameras on Route 13 and the designated school zones are anticipated to go live sometime next year, as reported by the Philadelphia Parking Authority that oversees the program.
Currently, while speed cameras are operational on Broad Street, a 60-day grace period is in effect, meaning that violators are only receiving warnings until fines commence on November 14.
The City Council is expected to deliberate the recent speed camera legislation for final approval as early as October 16.
image source from：metrophiladelphia
