Local leaders hope to put speed enforcement cameras along the Roosevelt Blvd.
PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - First it was red light cameras on the Roosevelt Blvd. and now local leaders are doubling down on their efforts to get drivers to slow down, but it's not without resistance.
"The Roosevelt Blvd. is the most dangerous street in Philadelphia and one of the most dangerous in America. On average about one person dies every month and speed is the biggest factor," Philadelphia Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives Christopher Puchalsky said.
That is the reasoning behind the effort to have speed enforcement cameras join the red light cameras along the Boulevard.
More than half of U.S. states are using one or both claiming to be saving a lot of lives and generating millions in revenue. But it hasn't been smooth sailing everywhere--technical malfunctions have led to false or unfair penalties, concerns about privacy and charges that its just a way for municipalities to make money are some of the reasons some states are slow to approve it.
New Jersey got fed up and dumped its red light pilot program a few years ago.
"We can't stop ironing out a few kinks from keeping people from getting home at the end of the day. We're trying to save lives," Puchalsky said.
It will be a $150 fine and no points on your license