Traffic violation crackdown begins in Philadelphia's Port Richmond

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are continuing a traffic violation crackdown and will be focusing on two additional busy corridors all month.

It's in an effort to not only reduce crashes in hopes of saving lives but to also help change the culture to encourage safer driver habits.

Starting Monday, you'll see marked police vehicles up and down portions of Island and Aramingo avenues, including near the busy Aramingo Crossing shopping center in the city's Port Richmond section.

Officers will focus on sections of Aramingo Avenue between Somerset and Frankford Creek, as well as Island Avenue between Bartram and Woodland in Southwest Philadelphia.

"You're going to see a tremendous amount of uniformed vehicles out there on these thoroughfares," Special Operations Deputy Commissioner James Kelly III said during a press conference.

Police said they've been looking at ways to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities along the two busy corridors.

People who frequent the area say it's a welcomed change.

"Because it's always congested. Like I said, everyone's in a hurry to go nowhere so maybe that'll stop and things will get better. You can only hope," said Jeanette Straub.

"You know, you got to really be on your toes over there," said Allen Lear, from Frankford.

Lear says he often runs into safety issues while riding his bicycle on Aramingo Avenue.

"It's crazy. They come in the bike lane. They try to run you over. They try to pass," he said.

Philadelphia police say they're fully aware of conditions out there, especially after hearing concerns at community meetings.

"Everybody knows Aramingo Avenue. Very long stretch -- can become a speedway with a huge stretch almost six blocks of commercial corridor," said Mike Cram, Deputy Commissioner of Patrol Operations.

"Most of the time they try to run through the yellow light. Pretty much there's a lot of accidents," said Jessica Garcia, from North Philadelphia.

"If [police] presence is there, people will slow down for sure," Lear said.

Right now, the number of traffic-related deaths is down. Police said last year at this point, there were 71 traffic-related fatalities and that right now, there have been at least 61.

Police said the slight decrease is not enough and that they're issuing more tickets.

"Put the phone down, put on your seat belt and drive accordingly," Garcia added.

ATV riders and car meet-ups also continue to be a focus.

The initiative will run all month, starting August 5 through August 30.