Automated Speed Cameras to Launch in Five Philadelphia School Zones Following Crash Data Analysis
PHILADELPHIA – Beginning Tuesday, February 17, Philadelphia will activate automated speed enforcement cameras in five designated school zones, launching a pilot program aimed at curbing dangerous driving near student populations. The initiative, authorized by state legislation, introduces a 60-day warning period before the city begins issuing fines to motorists exceeding speed limits by 11 mph or more.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) confirmed the cameras will operate at the following locations, selected based on high rates of speeding-related crashes:
John B. Stetson Middle School (Kensington): East Allegheny Avenue, between A and B Streets.
KIPP North Philadelphia Charter School (North Philadelphia): North 16th Street, between Cumberland and Huntingdon Streets.
Widener Memorial School (North Philadelphia): West Olney Avenue, between Broad and 16th Streets.
High School of the Future (East Parkside): West Girard Avenue, between 39th and 40th Streets.
William L. Sayre High School (West Philadelphia): Walnut Street, between 58th and 59th Streets.
During the initial 60-day phase, registered vehicle owners caught speeding will receive a warning notice in the mail. Full enforcement is scheduled to begin on April 20, after which violations will incur civil penalties starting at $100.
Deep Search: Legislative Context and Program Mechanics
The deployment stems from Pennsylvania House Bill 1284, signed into law in December 2023 by Governor Josh Shapiro. This legislation not only made the successful Roosevelt Boulevard speed camera program permanent but also authorized a five-year pilot for school zones.
The technology is calibrated to enforce the 15 mph speed limit specifically when school zone yellow lights are flashing. Enforcement is triggered only when a vehicle travels 11 mph or more over the posted limit. Fines are tiered: $100 for exceeding the limit by 11–19 mph, $125 for 20–29 mph, and $150 for 30 mph or more. Unlike criminal traffic citations, these violations are civil in nature and do not add points to a driver’s license.
City officials point to data from the Roosevelt Boulevard pilot as a proof of concept. Since cameras were installed on that corridor in 2020, the PPA reports a 95% reduction in speeding violations and a 50% decrease in pedestrian-involved crashes. The five new school zones were identified by the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) after an analysis of crash data from 2019 to 2023 revealed persistent safety hazards, including incidents where pedestrians were struck and killed or seriously injured.
Objections and Community Concerns
While safety advocates praise the expansion, the program has faced scrutiny from some members of the City Council and community groups. During committee hearings, critics questioned whether the initiative prioritizes revenue generation over genuine traffic calming—a sentiment frequently summarized by opponents as a “cash grab.”
Concerns have also been raised regarding the adequacy of public notice. Council members representing the affected districts have argued that many residents may be unaware of the new enforcement mechanisms, potentially leading to financial hardship for low-income drivers who unknowingly incur fines. Skeptics argue that physical traffic calming measures, such as speed humps or raised crosswalks, would provide a more immediate and equitable solution to speeding than automated ticketing. Additionally, privacy advocates continue to scrutinize the expansion of surveillance infrastructure, though the law restricts the use of camera data strictly to traffic enforcement.
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