Skip to main content

Red light cameras in US city Philadelphia are boosting traffic safety

In the US city of Philadelphia, a new programme of red light camera installation is helping cut crashes. The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has equipped 24 intersections throughout the city with cameras that monitor traffic and automatically photograph vehicles that drive into an intersection after the light has turned red. The PPA has shot a video of this programme, showing how this will cut crashes and also save drivers from being fined. Each fine costs drivers US$100 but the main goal of this progr
March 13, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
In the US city of Philadelphia, a programme of red light camera installation is helping cut crashes. The 7218 Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has equipped 24 intersections throughout the city with cameras that monitor traffic and automatically photograph vehicles that drive into an intersection after the light has turned red. The PPA has shot a video of this programme, showing how this will cut crashes and also save drivers from being fined. Each fine costs drivers US$100 but the main goal of this programme is to boost safety. Revenue from the program goes to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), which then distributes the money evenly between the city of Philadelphia and the state through grants for transportation projects.

The first cameras were installed at Grant Avenue, Red Lion Road and Cottman Avenue along Roosevelt Boulevard. Since the program's inception, cameras have also been installed at 34th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, Broad Street and Oregon Avenue, Broad Street and Hunting Park Avenue, 58th and Walnut Streets, Broad and Vine Streets, Broad Street and South Penn Square, Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard around City Hall, Henry Avenue and Walnut Lane, Rising Sun and Adams Avenues, Aramingo Avenue and York Street , Aramingo and Castor Avenues, and Lindbergh Boulevard and Island Avenue. There are also cameras at Welsh, Southampton, Mascher, Levick, Rhawn and 9th Streets along Roosevelt Boulevard. The most recent red light camera intersections are located at Academy Road and Grant Avenue, Woodhaven and Knights Roads, and Bustleton Avenue and Byberry Road. Philadelphia's Red Light Camera Program was recently extended until 2017.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • ITS Australia congratulates national award winners for 2017
    November 28, 2017
    Winners of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Australia National Awards 2017 have been announced at the Art’s Centre Melbourne. The 8th edition celebrated the nation’s most innovative and advanced transport technologies from a record number of nominations across a variety of organisations. Attended by Hon Ben Caroll MP, Minister for Industry and Employment, the awards recognise professional ITS expertise and raise awareness across all levels of government and community about the technology benefits
  • Small toll agency adopts big city thinking
    December 5, 2014
    Andrew Bardin Williams looks at a novel option for new toll road authorities. While somewhat politically controversial, outsourcing has gained traction in the business world as a model worth investigating for its efficiency and cost saving benefits. Lean start-ups tend to employ independent contractors instead of full-time employees in an effort to remain flexible and avoid costs associated with pensions, retirement places, health insurance, office space and benefit packages.
  • Auckland’s major road safety operation targets red light running
    May 16, 2016
    Red light running is the focus of a major two week long road safety operation, launching in Auckland, Nerw Zealand, this week, coinciding with the start of Road Safety Week. The operation, in Waitemata District of the city, is a joint initiative between Police, Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency. Police will target those motorists who take risks during peak morning traffic at four key high-risk intersections, which were selected because of their location, crash risk, traffic flow and ability
  • Auckland’s major road safety operation targets red light running
    May 16, 2016
    Red light running is the focus of a major two week long road safety operation, launching in Auckland, Nerw Zealand, this week, coinciding with the start of Road Safety Week. The operation, in Waitemata District of the city, is a joint initiative between Police, Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency. Police will target those motorists who take risks during peak morning traffic at four key high-risk intersections, which were selected because of their location, crash risk, traffic flow and ability