Reckless drivers are abound in Philadelphia and now the Philadelphia Parking Authority wants to do something about it. The agency is currently reviewing proposals to add dozens more red-light cameras at different intersections throughout the city.
More red-light cameras
The proposal is in response to the increase in reckless driving and accidents across the city. In an effort to increase safety, these red-light cameras, if approved, will be installed at busy intersections across Philadelphia. Additionally, the PPA has proposed higher fines for those who run the red light.
Currently, according to the PPA, there are 34 intersections under surveillance.
However, seven more cameras are in the works to be installed throughout Philadelphia.
According to an article in Philly Mag, those intersections are:
- Kelly Drive and Eakins Oval
- 20th Street and JFK Boulevard
- Front Street and Hunting Park Avenue
- 58th Street and Baltimore Avenue
- Ford Road and Belmont Avenue
- Kelly Drive and Falls Bridge
- 17th Street and Washington Avenue
Important to note, the PPA is reviewing proposals for 64 more camera.
If approved, this would bring the total number of red light cameras to 105 –triple the number now!
Safety is paramount
Indeed, there are more measures that are needed to be put in place to decrease reckless driving and increase safety. Since the first camera was installed at Grant Ave & Roosevelt Blvd. in 2005, more have been added in hopes of deterring speeding.
Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Altogether, Philly’s red light camera program issued 374,262 violation notices to drivers in the last fiscal year.
Unfortunately, that represents a 39.2 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.
So while camera technology is becoming more skilled and advanced to catch more drivers, it appears there are more reckless drivers on the roads.
The PPA issued a report in September that notes, “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.”