PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Free parking is about to be a thing of the past in some Center City loading zones as the Philadelphia Parking Authority launches a new automated enforcement program.
Twenty loading zones, mostly along Walnut and Chestnut streets, are now equipped with cameras that will police those zones. Delivery firms or individuals who want to use the zones need to enroll with CurbPass, according to PPA Executive Director Rich Lazer.
“Once you sign up for the system, when you pull up the cameras — it's almost like an EZPass system that will scan your plate and you'll be charged that way,” he explained.
Drivers get three free minutes in the designated zones. After that, the loading zone rate is 10 cents a minute, but only for an hour. If you stay longer than an hour, you'll be mailed a $51 ticket — and double-parkers will be hit with a $76 ticket.
“A lot of times, you'll see people double-park next to loading zones or double-park next to loading zones if they're used,” said Lazer. “This camera will be able to catch that double-parking and issue a violation through the mail.”
CurbPass is run by the Los Angeles firm Automotus. The company's director of city partnerships, Matt Brooker, says the technology has helped keep traffic flowing.
“Similar programs in cities like Pittsburgh have significantly reduced double-parking by as much as 97%,” he said.
City Councilmember Mark Squilla says it's an effort to move traffic along on Center City streets, “not only to allow the people in and out and to have constant turnover, but also to reduce congestion.”
A three-week warning period begins April 1. After that, the cameras will begin generating real tickets starting April 21.