Speed demons on State Route 13, beware. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has officially initiated the era of automated speed enforcement in Philadelphia. Yesterday, an announcement confirmed the signing of Bill No. 241030, a move that could forever alter driving habits along the notorious corridor.
It's a decisive strategy aimed at curtailing the surge in traffic-related fatalities and injuries. "I promised to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, greenest city in the nation with access to economic opportunity for all," Mayor Parker said in a ceremony marking the occasion, as the City of Philadelphia's official website reported. In her words, these cameras "work and they help save lives."
The initiative is strongly backed by Councilmember Mike Driscoll of the 6th District. "We welcome the installation of speed cameras along Frankford Avenue (Rt. 13) in the 6th District," Driscoll stated, per the city's press release. "It sends a strong message that we will not tolerate reckless speeding and unsafe driving." With support from all members of the Streets Committee, the bill was unanimously passed by the City Council last December.
Alarming statistics underscored the necessity of the bill. From 2018 to 2022, 296 fatal crashes and 501 severe injuries were caused by speeding. The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) had previously managed to nearly eliminate speeding violations on Roosevelt Boulevard through a pilot program using the same technology set to roll out on Route 13.
Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain peace of mind as the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia has recognized the bill as a major stride toward safer streets. Their Executive Director, Chris Gale, commended the collaborative work that ensured the safety of all street users. "When vehicles travel at slower speeds, everyone is safer, and this legislation helps slow vehicles on Route 13," Gale emphasized in a statement to the city's website.
Support and praise weren't confined to local government. State Representative Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, contributed legislative support. He celebrated the success of the automated speed enforcement, which reduced speed by 95 percent on Roosevelt Boulevard. He thanked Mayor Parker and his colleagues for their efforts to replicate that achievement across other dangerous corridors in Philadelphia.
