Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced the Safe Streets for Students Act, a bill proposing automated speed enforcement cameras in designated school zones across Philadelphia. Announced on Thursday, the legislation supports the City Council and Parker Administration's efforts to reduce traffic-related fatalities and advance Vision Zero goals, according to the Philadelphia City Council.
The pilot program under Pennsylvania House Bill 1284 requires five years of evaluation before it can be renewed or made permanent in 2028. Before automated speed enforcement cameras are activated, traffic studies, engineering reviews, and public input must take place. "We are pleased to see the expansion of this technology to now include school slow zones throughout our city, bringing that same lifesaving technology to streets where our young students are most vulnerable," said Christopher Puchalsky, Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, as stated by the Philadelphia City Council.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced a proposal to install automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones to improve student safety. According to Thomas, four children in Philadelphia are hit by drivers each week. "Every student deserves a safe trip to school," he said. The ordinance identifies seven potential school zones, including William L. Sayre High School and Northeast High School, though state law allows a maximum of five active zones. The locations were selected based on crash data by Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems experts. The automated speed enforcement cameras would operate with school zone flashers during active hours. The proposal will be reviewed on March 11 by the Committee on Streets and Services before moving to City Council. "I want to commend Mayor Parker and the experts at OTIS for their focus on traffic safety for our most vulnerable constituents," Thomas said, as reported by the Philadelphia City Council.
