Philadelphia Collects $3.5M From Red Light Camera Fines

The City of Philadelphia expects to take in $3.5 million in fines this year from red light cameras.

Philadelphia has used the cameras since 2005 and was the first city in Pennsylvania to try them.

State lawmakers have since authorized their use in Pittsburgh and at least a dozen other communities.

Philadelphia street department commissioner Dave Perri tells KYW-AM that this year’s revenues will pay for new equipment designed to better time traffic lights.

Perri says the department will also try to widen sidewalks at intersections, raise crosswalks and make other changes to reduce pedestrian accidents.

Supporters say the cameras cut down on red light violations and make streets safer for pedestrians and drivers.

But critics say they’re expensive and invade drivers’ privacy without necessarily enhancing safety.