PPA starts issuing tickets to drivers caught on camera speeding in Philadelphia school zones
Drivers caught speeding in several school zones in Philadelphia will be hit with fines of $100 or more now that the warning period for the Philadelphia Parking Authority's school-zone speed camera enforcement program has ended.
The following school zones are part of the program:
- John B. Stetson Middle School: East Allegheny Avenue (A to B Streets)
- KIPP North Philadelphia Charter School: North 16th Street (Cumberland to Huntingdon)
- Widener Memorial School: West Olney Avenue (N. Broad to N. 16th)
- High School of the Future: West Girard Avenue (N. 39th to N. 40th)
- William L. Sayre High School: Walnut Street (S. 58th to S. 59th)
The warning period began in February and ended on Monday, April 20.
The PPA said these schools were chosen to launch the school zone speed camera pilot program because dozens of crashes, several of which were fatal, were reported across the five locations between 2019 and 2023.
Starting Monday, tickets will be issued to drivers caught speeding in the zones when flashers are active during morning and afternoon school hours. Cameras won't be activated during holidays.
According to the PPA, fines for drivers caught going 11-19 mph over the speed limit are $100. Tickets increase to $125 for drivers who go 20-29 mph over the posted speed limit and to $150 for anyone caught driving 30 mph or more over the limit.
"In a city where 4 children are hit by a driver while walking each week, we must make bold moves to bolster traffic safety on dangerous roads around our school buildings," said Philadelphia City Councilman Isaiah Thomas, who sponsored legislation that expands the city's automated speed enforcement program. "I was proud to get this legislation passed and am grateful to the experts at OTIS and the PPA for their hard work getting this program operational."
Residents near the zone at William L. Sayre High School in West Philadelphia said they support the program.
"The first time I heard about it was on the radio, and ... it made perfect sense because literally in this area, they do speed," Amber Coleman said.
Tyrone Young said drivers are able to time the Walnut Street lights and step on the gas pedal. He estimates eight accidents a year happen in the area of 59th and Walnut streets.
"From downtown to here, you could almost hit every light until you get to 58th Street down here, and then that's when the crashes start," Young said.
Other active speed enforcement corridors in Philadelphia include Route 1/Roosevelt Boulevard and Route 611/Broad Street. The Warning period for Route 13/Frankford Avenue ends on June 12, 2026.