DRIVERS have been cautioned about a new parking law that could result in $101 fines.
Those who try to evade the law could be caught on cameras that were installed on several roadways.
6abcA new law is targeting drivers who park illegally in the bus lane[/caption] GettyPhiladelphia drivers who violate the law will be fined $101[/caption] GettyAuthorities are using AI technology to catch violators[/caption]Philadelphia lawmakers have introduced a new law that would monitor 150 buses and 30 trolleys along four routes, according to ABC News affiliate WPVI-TV.
Authorities are looking to reduce congestion along Philadelphia streets and improve public safety.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) and SEPTA.
Depending on the result, the plan is to expand the law to 18 more routes during the summer.
According to the law, the agencies will be using AI technology to crack down on drivers who park illegally in bus lanes or by bus stops.
“These smart cameras will capture images of cars stopped in bus lanes and parked at bus stops. The photos will be reviewed by PPA staff and violation notices sent out,” SEPTA announced.
SEPTA bus drivers are thankful for the new law, saying it could result in a smoother transportation system for drivers and passengers.
“I think a lot of people will respect it a little bit more and be more aware,” said SEPTA bus driver Dwayne Campbell.
“You have passengers that have to get on and off the bus safely and it makes the job very difficult when you got to weave in and out of traffic all the time.”
Not to mention, illegal parking can create hazards for bus riders, especially those using wheelchairs or mobility devices.
It can also make it difficult for buses to safely pull over to pick up and drop off passengers.
A car that’s parked in an actual bus lane will receive a $101 ticket, while a double-parked vehicle in Center City would result in a $76 ticket.
Philadelphia drivers aren’t convinced that this is the correct solution.
One city resident told WPVI-TV that she’s concerned about finding parking around the city with the threat of fines looming.
How to fight a parking ticket
You can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are made
Like any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage. However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made.
Suddenly there’s a ticket you weren’t prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket.
Carefully read the ticket. Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid. Take photos. Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren’t cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case. Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible. Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren’t “obvious” are great things to photograph, too. Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket. If not listed, the ticket is not valid. Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal. Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees. When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument: “I didn’t know the law.” “I was on my way to move my car.” “I can’t afford this ticket.” “I’ve been doing this for years.” “I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK.” Contact a lawyer. If you’re running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations.Source: Reader’s Digest
“Where are we going to park? I don’t know what we’re going to do,” said Diana Lips.
“The city doesn’t have nowhere for us to park so what do they want us to do? No, that’s highway robbery.”
Although there is a concern that drivers will be ticketed unfairly, SEPTA says they have a team that will monitor the system to avoid any mistakes.
Major cities that have adopted the same technology cited that some parking violations have been issued by mistake.
Despite this, the technology has helped alleviate congestion, reduce crashes, and improve transportation systems.
“Congestion equals wasted time!” SEPTA wrote in a press release.
“A typical bus rider spends 31 additional hours on the bus every year because of Center City congestion and the slower buses cost SEPTA an additional $15 million in operating costs every year.”
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