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Drivers divided as speed cameras set to be activated along Broad Street


Drivers divided as speed cameras set to be activated along Broad Street

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Drivers will soon have another reason to slow down on Broad Street, as Philadelphia officials prepare to expand the city's speed camera program.

Fourteen new automated speed enforcement cameras will be stationed along Broad Street, from 7000 Old York Road to Pattison Avenue. City leaders consider it one of the city's busiest and most dangerous stretches of road.

The cameras will issue fines to drivers traveling 11 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit.

The expansion follows the success of speed cameras on Roosevelt Boulevard, where city officials say violations dropped by 95% and pedestrian-involved crashes decreased by about 50% 1.

PennDOT data shows that from 2019 to 2023, Broad Street saw 190 fatal or serious injuries, 183 speed-related crashes, and 430 incidents involving pedestrians.

"I think them enforcing cameras will help," said Temple University student Chidinma Christopher. "That makes me feel more safe and more comfortable walking on the streets."

While some residents support the initiative, others remain skeptical.

"While all of these provisions are being put in place to punish or control, if you will, drivers' behaviors in the name of the safety of pedestrians, I don't think pedestrians are doing enough in the name of their own safety," said Shanna Anderson from Grays Ferry who believes there needs to be more of a conversation about pedestrians being aware while walking.

"It causes concerns when I'm driving to hit somebody else when they stop abruptly," said Perry Williams from South Philadelphia. "I think they're a waste of time and waste of money for the city."

City leaders will make an announcement about the cameras and the launch date on Wednesday at 1 p.m.

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