Speed, red light cameras along Roosevelt Blvd. to begin operating on June 1

FOX 29's Marcus Esponiza reports.

PHILADELPHIA - Roosevelt Boulevard has a notorious reputation as one of the most dangerous roads but officials are hoping new speed and red light cameras will change that.

Scott Petri, executive for the Philadelphia Parking Authority, says get ready because up to 10 speed and red light cameras will soon be activated on the dangerous strip.

“We now move into the warning period so come June 1, people will receive warnings for 60 days, and then the tickets will become actual tickets,” he said.

Petri says the COVID-19 shutdown has only increased the amount of speeders on the roadways and warns about the dangers of speeding. He also adds a private camera company does not make money on each ticket contrary to public perception.

Mayor Jim Kenney signed a bill in June 2019 authorizing the use of speed cameras on the boulevard between Ninth Street and the Philadelphia County line.

AAA previously stated that it was on board with the new technology.

“This is not just about motorists. It’s motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. We want everyone to feel safer on the roadways," said Jana Tidwell of AAA Mid-Atlantic.

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In the summer of 2013, Samara Banks and three of her young children were fatally struck while crossing the boulevard. Police believe the driver was speeding.

In May 2019, a spokesman read a plea on the family's behalf to Philadelphia City Council.

“‘Please think of our community of people. None of us want to be added to the number of deaths," said Randy Lobasso with Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

Supporters of the cameras say there is an easy way to avoid the fines: slow down.

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