PHILADLEPHIA (WPVI) — Enforcement begins Thursday for 30 new Smart Loading Zones in Center City as the Philadelphia Parking Authority expands a program aimed at reducing double parking and improving traffic flow.
The additional zones bring the program to 52 blocks, mostly east of Broad Street and extending into Old City. The initiative launched last year as a pilot program covering 22 blocks between 12th and 20th streets in Center City.
Drivers who use the zones must register through the CurbPass app. Cameras identify vehicles by their license plates, monitor how long they remain parked and charge drivers 10 cents per minute.
The PPA says the technology is designed to make more loading zones available for deliveries and drop-offs, while reducing the number of commercial vehicles blocking traffic.
The new zones were subject to a 30-day warning period before enforcement began.
PPA officials told Action News during an investigation last month that early results indicate the program is having an impact. According to the agency, traffic speeds have increased by roughly 30% along parts of Chestnut and Walnut streets, while more commercial delivery vehicles are using designated loading zones.
“It’s all about behavior change. We saw about 50,000 people download the application, and hopefully that keeps increasing,” said Corrine O’Connor, of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Drivers receive the first three minutes free. Anyone who remains in a Smart Loading Zone longer than three minutes without registering, or stays beyond the posted time limit, could receive a $51 ticket.
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