Speed cameras will be installed on Broad Street early next year, as the Philadelphia Parking Authority informs drivers about the “unblinking eye” and asks them to “slow down because speed kills.” has started advertising.
Two Philadelphia women share in a black-and-white video how they lost family members to a speeding driver. Pastor Stephanie Evans’ son was killed on Broad Street when he got out of his parked truck to get something to eat.
“We’re trying to save lives here in Philadelphia,” Evans said.
LaTanya Bird lost her niece and three grandnephews in a crosswalk on Roosevelt Boulevard in 2014.
“I’m not the one saying, ‘Stop this,'” said PPA Executive Director Rich Laser. Speeding “hurts people,” he said. “Hearing the stories of real people who have lost loved ones has a huge impact.”
Speed cameras have been installed on Roosevelt Boulevard since 2020 and are credited with dramatically reducing crashes, fatalities, and average vehicle speeds.
Earlier this year, the city installed speed cameras along Broad Street based on data showing it was the city’s most dangerous freeway, a title previously held by Roosevelt Boulevard. decided to do so. A new state law allows Philadelphia to use the technology on up to five more roads.
PPA announced it will launch a $150,000 advertising campaign on Nov. 15, posting videos on social media platforms and adding radio spots and signage on SEPTA buses. It will be in place until February, when the cameras on Broad Street are expected to be operational, in hopes of giving drivers plenty of warning.
“The more we can help, the better,” Laser said.
Once the cameras are activated, drivers who drive more than 11 miles over the speed limit in the first 60 days will receive a warning in the mail. After that it costs $100.
PPA spokesman Marty O’Rourke said the use of black-and-white film has proven particularly effective for PPA because it makes the message stand out among the usual color video. Officials took that approach in announcing a March crackdown on parking violations that block curb cuts, sidewalks, ramps and handicap parking spaces.
“The black and white spots are visible for longer,” O’Rourke said. “Both viewer ratings and completion rates were significantly higher than usual.”
