City of Philadelphia launches pilot speed camera program outside schools to slow drivers

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The City of Philadelphia is expanding its speed camera program with a new pilot effort aimed at slowing drivers in school zones, with mobile cameras now operating outside several schools across the city.

The cameras are part of a pilot program designed to catch drivers who exceed reduced speed limits during school arrival and dismissal times.

According to city officials, the cameras are currently set up outside Stetson Middle School, KIPP North Academy, Widener Memorial School, High School of the Future and Sayre High School.

The five schools were selected because they have had the highest number of crashes and incidents involving pedestrians being hit.

"We want to make sure our kids are safe. That's the most important thing, especially when they're going to school and coming from school," said Rich Lazer, executive director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Lazer said the cameras will be activated on Tuesday, Feb. 17, but only during arrival and dismissal, when the posted speed limit drops to 15 miles per hour.

"So when the flashing, the 15-mile-per-hour flashers are on, that means the cameras are up and operational," he said.

Drivers will be given a 60-day grace period during which only warnings will be issued. However, officials emphasized that there is no grace speed during that period.

Anything over 15 miles per hour can result in a $100 ticket mailed to the vehicle owner. Officials said revenue generated from the program will be used to improve infrastructure in the surrounding areas.

"We want no tickets to be issued at the end of the day. That will be ideal, right? Because that's what we want. We want kids to be able to get to school safe, teachers to be able to get to school safe, parents," Lazer said.

Residents near some of the participating schools said they support the initiative.

"People should slow down, def. Especially around a school area. I definitely think it will be a good idea," said Julien Hill, a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher.

"I think it's a brilliant idea. Our kids need to be safe, people need to slow down, they gotta stop being in such a big hurry," said Mark Mitchell of North Philadelphia.

Mitchell said drivers often travel too fast near KIPP North Academy and said he would like to see the program expanded.

"I think it should be citywide, statewide, and honestly nationwide," he said.

Officials said the cameras may be moved after the warning period ends April 20, when tickets begin being issued. The fine starts at $100 and increases based on how fast a driver is traveling.