PHILADELPHIA — Joined with City and State officials and members of the Vision Zero Task Force, Mayor Jim Kenney announced the City’s progress on its Vision Zero Action Plan. Three new initiatives were also announced to better manage driving speeds across the city.
“Our city and our residents deserve safer streets,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Managing speeds to save lives is a cornerstone of Vision Zero. With around 100 people being killed in traffic crashes on Philadelphia streets every year, we are committed to continuing to bring to together street design, education, enforcement, and policy changes that will manage speeds and, thus, save lives making Philadelphia streets safe for everyone.”
Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras – Roosevelt Boulevard
The City celebrated the Pennsylvania State Legislature’s passage of SB 172, a bill that legalizes automated speed enforcement cameras along Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia and will add nine automated speed enforcement cameras to the dangerous corridor.
Neighborhood Slow Zones Program
The City announced a new Vision Zero Program, its Neighborhood Slow Zone Program. Responding to Philadelphia residents’ common concerns about speeding on their neighborhood streets, the City is expanding their traffic calming options from single-block solutions to entire zones of residential streets. Neighbors and local organizations are invited to apply for the program by January 18, 2019. To learn more, visit: www.VisionZeroPHL.com/get-involved.
Reduced Neighborhood Speed Limits
In addition, City officials announced that neighborhood streets across the city will have their speed limits reduced to 25 MPH. This change will go into effect immediately. Data shows that a person hit at 30 MPH is twice as likely to die than one who is hit at 25 MPH.
Year One Vision Zero Update
Released today, the City’s year one Vision Zero update shows progress toward meeting goal of zero traffic deaths on Philadelphia streets by 2030. Additional highlights from the update include:
Installed the Market/JFK Vision Zero Pilot Project, which improved conditions on these two Center City corridors for people driving, walking, and biking;
Installed Boulevard Direct bus plazas, providing safe bus stations for SEPTA passengers; and
Announced 16 grants, totaling over $17 million to expand city-wide commitment to Vision Zero
To download the full one year Vision Zero update, visit www.VisionZeroPHL.com.
About Vision Zero
On November 7, 2016, Mayor Jim Kenney signed an Executive Order to create the Vision Zero Task Force. Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and severe injuries, while increasing safety, health, and mobility for all. Philadelphia is committed to reducing traffic-related deaths to zero by 2030. To learn more, visit www.VisionZeroPHL.com.
About CONNECT Week
CONNECT Week (October 15-19) celebrates the City’s newly launched Strategic Transportation Plan. Over the next seven years (2019-2025), CONNECT will set priorities for implementation and serve as the Administration’s transportation framework. CONNECT’s vision is a transportation system that benefits everyone. It is a system that is safe, affordable, accessible, and reliable at moving Philadelphians, visitors, and commerce so neighborhoods thrive, people are healthy, and the economy grows. To learn more, visit http://www.phillyotis.com/portfolio-item/connect-phl/.