Philadelphia Launches School Zone Speed Camera Enforcement Pilot

The Philadelphia Parking Authority will begin issuing tickets to speeding drivers around five city schools starting in April.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is launching a pilot program to install speed cameras in school zones around five city schools. The program will begin with a 60-day warning period starting on February 17, before full enforcement and ticketing begins on April 20. The goal is to reduce speeding and crashes in these high-risk areas to improve safety for students, families, and school staff.

Why it matters

School zones are some of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians, especially children, due to the potential for high-speed crashes. This new speed camera program aims to change driver behavior and dramatically reduce speeding in these critical areas, which have seen a total of 10 fatal or serious injury crashes and 25 pedestrian crashes over the past 4 years.

The details

The PPA will install speed cameras in the school zones around five unspecified Philadelphia schools. Drivers caught speeding when the school zone flashers are active in the morning and afternoon will receive tickets. The PPA says similar speed camera technology on Roosevelt Boulevard has resulted in a 95% reduction in speeding and a 50% reduction in pedestrian-involved crashes.

  • The speed camera enforcement pilot program will begin on February 17, 2026 with a 60-day warning period.
  • Full enforcement and ticketing will start on April 20, 2026.

The players

Philadelphia Parking Authority

The government agency responsible for parking enforcement and management in the city of Philadelphia.

Rich Lazer

The Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Isaiah Thomas

A Philadelphia City Councilman who sponsored legislation to renew the city's automated speed enforcement program.

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What they’re saying

“Our school-zone speed camera program is about public safety and changing dangerous driving behavior. Our emphasis is on saving lives and protecting children. We have seen dramatic results with similar technology along Roosevelt Boulevard, resulting in a 95% reduction in speeding and a 50% reduction in pedestrian-involved crashes.”

— Rich Lazer, Executive Director, Philadelphia Parking Authority (cbsnews.com)

“This is an exciting development that will help keep students, families, and school staff safe.”

— Isaiah Thomas, Philadelphia City Councilman (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new speed camera enforcement program in Philadelphia school zones is a proactive step to improve pedestrian safety, especially for vulnerable children, by cracking down on dangerous driving behavior like speeding. The results seen on Roosevelt Boulevard suggest this technology can have a significant impact in reducing crashes and saving lives.