House
07-20-2009, 11:57 AM
Aramingo Ave commuters: Smile, you're on camera
Hayden Mitman
Star Staff
Citing the effective use of red light cameras in reducing violations at intersections along Roosevelt Boulevard, the Philadelphia Parking Authority will soon be bringing to four of the devices to other city intersections.
Two will be placed locally, in Fishtown and Port Richmond.
The cameras, to be installed this fall, will be set up at Aramingo and Castor avenues and at Aramingo Avenue and York Street. Henry Avenue and Walnut Lane in Roxborough and Rising Sun and Adams avenues in Olney will also receive the devices.
These four intersections have the highest rates of traffic signal violations, said Christopher Vogler, the Parking Authority's manager for red light photo enforcement.
Mayor Michael Nutter approved the cameras last month. Vogler said these cameras are self-sufficient, and the costs needed to install and maintain the equipment as well as purchase new cameras is covered by the funds generated by fines issued by the existing cameras.
Vogler said the PPA has seen a drastic decrease in traffic violations at intersections that have had red light cameras for more than a year.
As an example, he pointed to the intersection at Roosevelt Boulevard and Red Lion Road, once listed as the second most dangerous intersection in the country by State Farm Insurance Co.
"At every intersection (where red light cameras are installed) we've seen a decrease," he said. "Violations on the Boulevard are down 90 percent from their highs."
He said that, contrary to popular belief, red light cameras do not cause additional accidents at intersections because of drivers stopping short to make sure they don't get caught running a light.
Instead, he said, not only do the cameras reduce red light violations at the monitored intersections, but they also make intersections safer by lowering the number of accidents, especially broadside collisions or "T-bone" collisions, which have a high fatality rate.
"T-bone accidents are the most dangerous. When a car is broadsided there is less area to absorb impact and airbags don't work as well," said Vogler. "The purpose of the cameras are to lower these instances (of accidents at intersections) to make for safer intersections."
When asked why Aramingo Avenue is targeted to receive cameras at two intersections - which will slap any driver who runs a red light with a $100 fine - Vogler said that new businesses along Aramingo have caused an increase in pedestrian and vehicle activity along the roadway.
"Businesses have come to that area, causing car and pedestrian activity to increase," he said. "With that increased traffic activity, we've seen increased problems."
Indeed, the intersection of York and Aramingo - where the Port Richmond Shopping Center entrance meets a confluence of ramps for I-95, Girard Avenue, Delaware Avenue and a gas station - is particularly chaotic and often used by pedestrians.
"They really don't give you enough time to get across that street," said Port Richmond resident Pat Dietsch as she crossed Aramingo, running in her final steps as the light turned green for oncoming traffic.
"Cameras here would be great," said Lena Helen of East Kensington, who was seen pushing her son, William, across the intersection in a stroller. "This intersection is dangerous. People speed through it. The islands are too small to stand on if you get caught walking when the light changes, and the light flashes right when you start walking across the street. It's absolutely ridiculous."
Others agreed that red light cameras would be welcomed at the intersection.
"I see a lot of cars running this light," said a frustrated Joseph Szewczak as he crossed the street. "I almost got hit out here the other day."
"I think (red light cameras) are a good idea," said one driver waiting to turn into the shopping center. "I think those cameras should be at every intersection. It makes people think twice."
While he acknowledged he would be upset if he got a ticket, he said that doesn't mean the cameras wouldn't improve safety for the area.
"Hey, it would make me think twice. I'd be upset but, that's the way the world works, people only obey the rules when it affects their pockets. But, I think it would be worth it for the overall good," said the driver.
Vogler, of the PPA, said that all residents should welcome the cameras, and dismissed fears of a "Big Brother" organization watching the populace through the cameras as overreaction.
The PPA only uses still cameras - not video - to catch a red light runner. Vogler said the camera takes two pictures. The first photo is taken when the front of the car enters the intersection, and the second photo is taken midway through the intersection to see if the car ran the light.
Cars that extend a little bit into an intersection and stop, he said, have no worries of being fined because the PPA will only fine cars who are seen running through the intersection in the second photo.
"Everyone should welcome the cameras," he said. "If you're a safe driver who follows the rules, they will not make a negative impact on your life at all."
http://www.philly.com/community/pa/philadelphia/Aramingo_Ave_commuters_Smile_youre_on_camera.html
Hayden Mitman
Star Staff
Citing the effective use of red light cameras in reducing violations at intersections along Roosevelt Boulevard, the Philadelphia Parking Authority will soon be bringing to four of the devices to other city intersections.
Two will be placed locally, in Fishtown and Port Richmond.
The cameras, to be installed this fall, will be set up at Aramingo and Castor avenues and at Aramingo Avenue and York Street. Henry Avenue and Walnut Lane in Roxborough and Rising Sun and Adams avenues in Olney will also receive the devices.
These four intersections have the highest rates of traffic signal violations, said Christopher Vogler, the Parking Authority's manager for red light photo enforcement.
Mayor Michael Nutter approved the cameras last month. Vogler said these cameras are self-sufficient, and the costs needed to install and maintain the equipment as well as purchase new cameras is covered by the funds generated by fines issued by the existing cameras.
Vogler said the PPA has seen a drastic decrease in traffic violations at intersections that have had red light cameras for more than a year.
As an example, he pointed to the intersection at Roosevelt Boulevard and Red Lion Road, once listed as the second most dangerous intersection in the country by State Farm Insurance Co.
"At every intersection (where red light cameras are installed) we've seen a decrease," he said. "Violations on the Boulevard are down 90 percent from their highs."
He said that, contrary to popular belief, red light cameras do not cause additional accidents at intersections because of drivers stopping short to make sure they don't get caught running a light.
Instead, he said, not only do the cameras reduce red light violations at the monitored intersections, but they also make intersections safer by lowering the number of accidents, especially broadside collisions or "T-bone" collisions, which have a high fatality rate.
"T-bone accidents are the most dangerous. When a car is broadsided there is less area to absorb impact and airbags don't work as well," said Vogler. "The purpose of the cameras are to lower these instances (of accidents at intersections) to make for safer intersections."
When asked why Aramingo Avenue is targeted to receive cameras at two intersections - which will slap any driver who runs a red light with a $100 fine - Vogler said that new businesses along Aramingo have caused an increase in pedestrian and vehicle activity along the roadway.
"Businesses have come to that area, causing car and pedestrian activity to increase," he said. "With that increased traffic activity, we've seen increased problems."
Indeed, the intersection of York and Aramingo - where the Port Richmond Shopping Center entrance meets a confluence of ramps for I-95, Girard Avenue, Delaware Avenue and a gas station - is particularly chaotic and often used by pedestrians.
"They really don't give you enough time to get across that street," said Port Richmond resident Pat Dietsch as she crossed Aramingo, running in her final steps as the light turned green for oncoming traffic.
"Cameras here would be great," said Lena Helen of East Kensington, who was seen pushing her son, William, across the intersection in a stroller. "This intersection is dangerous. People speed through it. The islands are too small to stand on if you get caught walking when the light changes, and the light flashes right when you start walking across the street. It's absolutely ridiculous."
Others agreed that red light cameras would be welcomed at the intersection.
"I see a lot of cars running this light," said a frustrated Joseph Szewczak as he crossed the street. "I almost got hit out here the other day."
"I think (red light cameras) are a good idea," said one driver waiting to turn into the shopping center. "I think those cameras should be at every intersection. It makes people think twice."
While he acknowledged he would be upset if he got a ticket, he said that doesn't mean the cameras wouldn't improve safety for the area.
"Hey, it would make me think twice. I'd be upset but, that's the way the world works, people only obey the rules when it affects their pockets. But, I think it would be worth it for the overall good," said the driver.
Vogler, of the PPA, said that all residents should welcome the cameras, and dismissed fears of a "Big Brother" organization watching the populace through the cameras as overreaction.
The PPA only uses still cameras - not video - to catch a red light runner. Vogler said the camera takes two pictures. The first photo is taken when the front of the car enters the intersection, and the second photo is taken midway through the intersection to see if the car ran the light.
Cars that extend a little bit into an intersection and stop, he said, have no worries of being fined because the PPA will only fine cars who are seen running through the intersection in the second photo.
"Everyone should welcome the cameras," he said. "If you're a safe driver who follows the rules, they will not make a negative impact on your life at all."
http://www.philly.com/community/pa/philadelphia/Aramingo_Ave_commuters_Smile_youre_on_camera.html