More speed cameras are headed to Philadelphia, this time along Route 13.
Mayor Cherelle Parker signed Bill No. 241030 into law on Monday, allowing for the use, administration, and enforcement of automated speed cameras along State Route 13 within city limits.
Route 13 stretches from Cobbs Creek to the Far Northeast, and includes sections of Baltimore Avenue, 38th Street, Powelton Avenue, Girard Avenue and Frankford Avenue.
“This program is a key part of making Philadelphia safe for all citizens, whether they are traveling by foot, bike, public transportation or car,” Parker said. “Automated Speed Cameras work and they help save lives.”
A timeline for implementation on Route 13 and exact camera locations have not been announced, but the effort would begin with a public awareness campaign and a 60-day period during which speeding drivers would receive warnings, not fines.
Once fully activated, the cameras snap photographs of license plates, and drivers caught going 11 mph or more over the posted limit are mailed tickets costing between $100 and $150, depending on their exact speed.
Route 13 was ranked the 2nd most dangerous state route in Philadelphia according to an analysis by the City of Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. From 2019 to 2023, Route 13 experienced 123 fatal and serious injury crashes, 160 speeding-related crashes, and 258 pedestrian crashes.
The bill was sponsored by Councilmember Mike Driscoll (6th District), as well as all members of the Streets Committee, and unanimously passed City Council last month.
“We welcome the installation of speed cameras along Frankford Avenue in the 6th District,” said Driscoll. “It sends a strong message that we will not tolerate reckless speeding and unsafe driving, penalizing violators through fines and photo enforcement. This public safety measure will help protect residents walking through their communities and the law-abiding drivers along Frankford Avenue.”
Automated speed cameras were first used by the city in 2020 along Roosevelt Boulevard through a pilot program permitted by the state legislature to curb speeding on the city’s most dangerous road. Data shows the program reduced speeding violations on the corridor by 95 percent and pedestrian-involved crashes have been reduced by 50 percent since the cameras were installed.
“Speed enforcement cameras are saving lives every day in Philadelphia,” said Richard Lazer, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority. “They’ve reduced speeding significantly along Roosevelt Boulevard. The PPA is committed to continue working with Mayor Parker and her team again, on this vitally important public safety initiative to reduce speeding along the Rt. 13 corridor — the same way we reduced speeding on Roosevelt Boulevard.”
In 2023, Gov. Josh Shapiro approved legislation making automated enforcement permanent on the Boulevard and allowing city officials to expand the program to five additional corridors.
Revenue from the fines is deposited into a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation safety fund. In 2024, more than $19 million from the program was allocated toward seven roadway projects in the city.
“Automatic Speed Enforcement has played a huge role in protecting drivers, pedestrians and cyclists on our roads,” said State Rep. Ed Neilson.
“When vehicles travel at slower speeds, everyone is safer,” added Chris Gale of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. “And this legislation helps slow vehicles on Route 13.”
Jack Tomczuk contributed to this report.
