Speed Cameras Coming to Five Philadelphia School Zones Next Week

The Philadelphia Parking Authority aims to improve safety with new speed enforcement measures.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Philadelphia Parking Authority announced that speed cameras will be activated in five school zones across the city starting next week. The cameras are intended to compel drivers to slow down in areas that have seen several serious crashes in recent years involving pedestrians. Officials say the goal is to improve safety, not generate revenue.

Why it matters

Pedestrian safety, especially around schools, is a major concern in many urban areas. The use of speed cameras has proven effective at reducing speeding and crashes in other parts of Philadelphia, and this pilot program aims to extend those safety benefits to more school zones.

The details

The speed cameras will be activated on February 17th around five Philadelphia schools: John B. Stetson Middle School, KIPP North Philadelphia Charter School, Widener Memorial School, the High School of the Future, and William L. Sayre High School. Drivers going 11 mph over the 15 mph speed limit in these zones during morning and afternoon hours will first receive warnings for 60 days, and then $100 fines after that.

  • The speed cameras will be activated on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Between 2019 and 2023, there were 10 fatal or serious-injury crashes and 25 pedestrians struck in the five school zones selected for the pilot program.

The players

Philadelphia Parking Authority

The agency responsible for managing parking and transportation infrastructure in the city of Philadelphia.

Rich Lazer

Executive director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

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What they’re saying

“It's not a cash grab. It's all about safety. If you do not speed, you will not get a ticket.”

— Rich Lazer, Executive director, Philadelphia Parking Authority (KYW Newsradio)

“If we can use this operation on the deadliest road in the city which is the Boulevard — which is no longer classified as that because this system works — we want to do that and we want to make sure we roll out these protections for our students when they're going to school.”

— Rich Lazer, Executive director, Philadelphia Parking Authority (KYW Newsradio)

What’s next

The Philadelphia Parking Authority will monitor the effectiveness of the speed cameras in the five school zones and may consider expanding the program to additional areas if it proves successful in improving safety.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights Philadelphia's commitment to prioritizing pedestrian safety, especially around schools, through the use of technology like speed cameras to encourage drivers to slow down and comply with speed limits. The program's success could serve as a model for other cities looking to enhance safety in their school zones.