Report: Philly Didn’t Prepare Tour Vehicle Reports

Philadelphia’s Streets Department has failed to compile safety reports for tour vehicles like the amphibious boat that sank in the Delaware River last month, killing two Hungarian tourists.

KYW-AM reports the department has never assembled the reports since it was first required in 2006.

The reports would have included information on traffic violations and land and water accidents for tour vehicles including the type of duck boat that sank after being struck by a barge while stopped in the river.

Deputy Streets Commissioner Steve Buckley tells KYW current staff was unfamiliar with the code.

Buckley says officials have found duck boats were involved in 31 incidents in 2008 and 2009. None involved injuries.

He says the department is looking for the data for 2007 and 2006.