The Philadelphia Parking Authority is considering adding dozens of red light cameras throughout the city, writes Victor Fiorillo for Philadelphia Magazine.
The idea is for the cameras to help address the high number of reckless drivers. The Philadelphia Parking Authority has also proposed a dramatic increase for red-light camera fines, as well.
The city’s first red light camera became operational in 2005, and is located at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia. According to PPA data, there are currently 34 intersections surveilled by red light cameras.
Cameras are currently in the works for seven more intersections in Philadelphia.
The PPA is studying proposals for cameras at 64 more intersections, which if approved, would bring the city’s total to 105 sections surveilled by cameras in Philadelphia. That’s triple the amount now.
Philly’s red light camera program issued 374,262 violation notices to drivers in the last fiscal year. That represents a 39.2 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.
The PPA attributes that to both upgrades in their camera technology and terrible driving.
“The nearly 40-percent increase in red light camera violations in FY 2024 underscores the ongoing challenges in driver compliance with traffic laws in Philadelphia,” reads a report issued by the PPA in September.
Read more about the potential of more red light cameras in Philly at Philadelphia Magazine.
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