Pennsylvania
Adoption of red light cameras slow in Pa. even though they save lives
HARRISBURG — All Pennsylvania municipalities would be allowed to install red light cameras aimed at making intersections safer under a proposal that will be introduced as soon as this summer.
At the moment, just Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and a handful of other places in the commonwealth are allowed to use them. But even among that group, only a few have installed cameras despite evidence the devices reduce fatal crashes.
Pittsburgh is in the process of adding cameras to its most dangerous intersections, though it has run into issues finding a vendor. Smaller municipalities struggle to meet the state’s requirements to get such a program off the ground, one expert told Spotlight PA.
With many issues competing for state lawmakers’ attention, it remains to be seen if expanding red light cameras will rise to the top of the agenda this session. But for supporters like Eileen Miller, the issue feels pressing.
Miller’s son, Paul, was killed in a distracted driving crash in 2010, and she has spent much of her time since thinking about safe driving laws. In particular, she pushed for a bill banning the use of cellphones while operating a motor vehicle. It passed last year after more than a decade of advocacy.
Between budget negotiations and elections, Miller told Spotlight PA she only had a “short period” each year where she felt the Legislature had the attention span to pass the law.
“I constantly had to be down there session after session, reminding them, emailing them,” Miller told Spotlight PA. “Sometimes you have to be a bit aggressive.”
Efforts to expand automatic traffic enforcement have progressed in fits and starts.
Lawmakers passed a bill creating a pilot program for red light cameras in Philadelphia more than two decades ago. A handful were installed along Roosevelt Boulevard, one of the deadliest roads in the city.
The Legislature later allowed Pittsburgh and larger municipalities that meet certain standards to use the cameras.
Now, state Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, wants all municipalities to have the option. He plans to introduce a bill as soon as this summer, he told Spotlight PA.
That legislation would also make red light camera programs permanent. Currently, programs in Philadelphia and other commonwealth locations will expire in July 2027 unless the Legislature acts.
Neilson has had success with traffic safety bills before. He sponsored a bill, which became law, that permits Philadelphia to pilot automatic speed enforcement cameras in some school zones.
The city was already allowed to use speed cameras on roads including Roosevelt Boulevard, where speeding and crashes resulting in serious or fatal injuries have declined since 2020.
The law also made permanent the use of speed cameras in highway work zones.
While these kinds of measures don’t typically garner much opposition, they do hit roadblocks.
State Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said he generally supports enforcement cameras. But he thinks they must include data collection provisions that ensure people of color aren’t disproportionately targeted.
When lawmakers were trying to pass the bill banning cellphones while driving, a version that didn’t mandate racial data collection failed after the Legislative Black Caucus opposed it.
Neilson chairs his chamber’s Transportation Committee, through which the bill would need to pass before it goes to the full state House. Leaders in the state House and Senate either declined to comment on the proposal or said they would review it once it is introduced.
Improved safety, difficult implementation
There is evidence that red light cameras make roads safer.
A 2016 study of programs in 79 U.S. cities including Philadelphia by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a nonprofit funded by insurance companies and industry backers — found the cameras reduced the rate of all types of fatal crashes at intersections with signals by 14%.
Wen Hu, a researcher for the institute, told Spotlight PA that red light and speed cameras have “proven effective in changing drivers’ behaviors, reducing crashes, and injuries and fatalities caused by crashes.”
The Philadelphia Parking Authority primarily tracks the efficacy of the city’s more than 100 red light cameras by seeing whether violations decrease at monitored intersections. If violations go down, that means knowing cameras are present prompts drivers to be safer, the idea goes. This metric has shown mixed results.
In a 2024 report, the authority said roughly half of the 34 locations with cameras have seen violations decrease since they were first installed. The other half had seen increases.
In total, the authority issued 39% more violations when comparing fiscal years 2023 and 2024. It attributed the increase to several factors, including the installation of more cameras, improvements to the cameras’ recording abilities, and worsening driver behavior, such as cellphone distraction.
Still, some of the improvements were significant. Red light cameras at Grant Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia recorded 25,111 infractions in fiscal year 2006 and 6,150 in fiscal year 2024.
The cameras have “demonstrated substantial effectiveness in improving traffic safety and compliance,” the authority wrote.
Red light cameras have opponents, including Jay Beeber, executive director of the National Motorists Association. The group opposes automated traffic enforcement and speed enforcement by radar, and supports generally higher speed limits.
Beeber argued that traffic cameras do not solve underlying problems, which he says are poor traffic engineering in areas that have high levels of speeding, drivers running red lights, and car crashes.
He thinks the data reported by the Philadelphia Parking Authority are “cherry-picked.” The report shows only the number of violations that occurred after the cameras were installed, he said, not the number of violations before the cameras’ implementation.
“If the numbers were already going down and then the cameras go in and the numbers continue to go down, then the cameras had no impact,” Beeber said.
The commonwealth currently allows red light cameras in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and municipalities that have at least 20,000 residents, an accredited police department, and are located in a large county that meets certain standards. As of 2017, 15 places met the latter definition.
Just four municipalities outside of Philadelphia had installed red light cameras as of April 2024, according to PennDOT — Abington and Montgomery townships in Montgomery County, and Bensalem and Warrington townships in Bucks County. Bristol Twp. in Bucks County approved their usage last December.
While there’s a significant price tag, governments make that money back from fines, set at $100 under state law. In fiscal year 2024, Philadelphia generated $32 million in revenue from these violations.
Some of that pays for the cameras. Most goes to PennDOT, which reallocates the money to counties through grants for “improving safety, enhancing mobility, and reducing congestion.”
The slow adoption of the cameras appears to be logistical.
Pittsburgh City Council first voted to install red light cameras in 2013, but the city didn’t follow through and the ordinance expired in 2017.
Last year, the city adopted a “Vision Zero” strategy in the hopes of eliminating all traffic fatalities, and the council voted to move forward again with red light cameras as part of that initiative. But in February, WPXI reported that only one company had bid to install and operate the cameras. New bids are due in April.
A staffer for a council member told Spotlight PA the new request has produced more bids. Vendors, they said, didn’t initially apply due to a lack of details such as where the cameras would be located.
Current requirements also make it hard for smaller municipalities to take part, said Amy Sturges of the Pennsylvania Municipal League, a nonprofit that advocates for small cities and towns.
The process involves seeking approval for a plan from PennDOT and finding a vendor to install the cameras. The local police department must also seek accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, which Sturges called “lengthy, time-consuming, and expensive.”
Sturges said neither she nor the municipalities she works with oppose automatic enforcement programs. She said some have expressed interest because the state does not permit speed enforcement radar devices.
“Local police departments’ current tools for speed enforcement are very limited,” Sturges said. “Red light cameras are another option that some communities would be able to use.”
Spotlight PA reported this story as part of The Road Ahead, an ongoing project by LehighValleyNews.com on traffic and transportation issues in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Sign up for our free newsletters. Before you go, if you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
The war with Iran could start impacting your wallet as soon as today.
Jim Garrity from AAA East Central says oil prices are up.
“They’re hovering around $72. They were pretty consistently around $65, $66 for a while,” he said.
Nationally, AAA said the average for a gallon of regular sits at about $3, up approximately six cents from last week.
In Pennsylvania, it’s around $3.12 a gallon, and in the Pittsburgh region, it’s around $3.24 a gallon. That’s actually down about four cents from last week.
Garrity added that gas prices this time of year would already be increasing, usually because of higher demand for the warmer months and the production of the summer blend of gas used for those months.
The impacts of what’s happening in Iran may not be immediate, which could be part of why our region and the state overall have not seen a spike yet, he said.
“It could be a couple of days later. It could be up to a week later,” Garrity said.
A lot of people are watching what happens with the Strait of Hormuz. Iran borders it to the north, and 20% of the world’s oil goes through it.
Iran is one of the world’s biggest oil producers, and China gets a lot of that oil.
“If there is an impact there, you could see oil start to come in from other parts of the world, which has a downstream effect on [the United States],” Garrity said.
One way you can save on gas if prices increase in our area is by slowing down.
“When you drive faster every five miles, over 50 miles an hour, your fuel efficiency is going down,” Garrity said. “You’re making the car work harder, making the gasoline consumption less effective.”
Garrity added that in 2022, when our area and many others saw some of the highest gas prices ever recorded, people changed their driving habits.
“We saw people make seemingly permanent changes to their driving behaviors, driving less in general, consolidating trips,” he said.
Some Pennsylvania towns make it easy to feel included within a day of arriving. In Lititz, summer concerts at Lititz Springs Park turn into informal reunions, with families setting up lawn chairs side by side and local shop owners joining once they lock their doors for the evening. In Boiling Springs, the path around Children’s Lake doubles as a daily check-in point where walkers greet each other by name before drifting into the cafés along Front Street. And in Ligonier, the Diamond and its bandstand pull residents downtown for markets and community events that rely on volunteers rather than outside organizers. The same pattern carries through the rest of the towns on our list.
Lititz
Lititz is in Lancaster County, about 6 miles north of the city of Lancaster. Founded in 1756, the town was named after a castle in Bohemia and initially served as a Moravian congregation settlement. Lititz is home to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, established in 1861 as the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States.
Lititz Springs Park, a historic community hub since 1756, hosts various yearly events, notably the well-known Lititz Fourth of July Celebration. For dining, the Appalachian Brewing Company provides locally brewed beers and a distinctive menu showcasing regional dishes. The Wilbur Chocolate Factory, a landmark since the late 1800s, includes a museum and shop where visitors can explore chocolate-making processes and buy unique confections.
Boiling Springs
Boiling Springs, in Cumberland County, owes its name to the natural artesian springs that maintain a constant temperature and were crucial to early ironworks in the area. Established in the 18th century, it is also part of the Appalachian Trail community, underscoring its long-standing connection to nature and history. The town’s historic district includes the Iron Furnace, dating to 1760 and a testament to Boiling Springs’ early industrial role.
The town features a variety of attractions for visitors and residents. Allenberry Resort and Playhouse, a historic venue since the mid-20th century, provides entertainment, dining, and lodging options. The Boiling Springs Tavern, founded in 1832, offers classic American cuisine in a historic environment. For outdoor enjoyment, Children’s Lake is perfect for fishing and relaxing walks, and the Appalachian Trail runs through the center of the community, offering great hiking opportunities.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe sits in the Lehigh Gorge in eastern Pennsylvania, and was originally known as Mauch Chunk and played a pivotal role in the coal and railroad industries. Renamed in 1954 to honor the legendary athlete Jim Thorpe, the town retains a Victorian era charm, with much of its architecture preserved and celebrated. This heritage is evident in attractions such as the Asa Packer Mansion, built in 1861 by a philanthropist and railroad magnate, which now serves as a museum.
Visitors to Jim Thorpe can choose from various recreation and dining options. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provides a scenic ride through the mountains, perfect for enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Dining choices include Moya, famous for its upscale American dishes, and Stone Row Pub & Eatery, offering a relaxed atmosphere with local ingredients. Outdoor lovers can enjoy boating and hiking at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, making the town an attractive destination.
Ligonier
Ligonier was established in the 1760s and features a rich colonial history highlighted by Fort Ligonier, a British fortification from the French and Indian War. The town square, known as the Diamond, is circled by original structures and a bandstand from the 19th century, reinforcing its historical ambiance.
Fort Ligonier functions as both a museum showcasing 18th-century artifacts and a venue for reenactments and educational activities. The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art enriches visitors with American art exhibitions. Dining options in Ligonier include the historic Ligonier Tavern, known for its local cuisine, and The Wicked Googly, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and live music. For outdoor leisure, Ligonier Beach offers a distinctive swimming experience with a historic pool from 1925.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro, located in Tioga County, was established in 1806 and acts as the gateway to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as Pine Creek Gorge. The town exudes nostalgic charm with its gas-lit streets and historic Victorian buildings, offering a window into its storied history. A prime example of this history is the Penn Wells Hotel, which has been serving visitors since the early 1900s.
For those wanting to explore Wellsboro, the restored 1920s movie theater, The Arcadia Theatre, regularly features films and performances, serving as a cultural center for locals and visitors. The Native Bagel offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Outdoor lovers can enjoy Leonard Harrison State Park, which offers stunning views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, along with trails and picnic spots. Furthermore, the annual Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival attracts crowds with its parade, arts and crafts, and local food stalls, honoring the area’s cultural traditions.
Foxburg
Foxburg, situated along the Allegheny River in Clarion County, was founded in 1870. It is famous for being home to the oldest golf course still in operation in the United States, the Foxburg Country Club, established in 1887. This historical feature adds to its charming and distinctive character, blending small-town American charm with a deep golf tradition.
The Foxburg Wine Cellars offers tastings of locally produced wines, complemented by a scenic setting. For dining, the Allegheny Grille provides riverfront views alongside a menu featuring regional cuisine, emphasizing the town’s picturesque location. Culture enthusiasts can explore the American Golf Hall of Fame, located within the Foxburg Country Club, which houses a collection of golf memorabilia and artifacts. For outdoor activities, the nearby Allegheny River Trail offers miles of biking and walking paths, making Foxburg a destination with diverse appeal.
Honesdale
Honesdale serves as the county seat for Wayne County and was founded in 1826. It has historical significance as the terminus of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, pivotal in the transport of coal to major markets in the northeast. Notably, Honesdale is credited with being the site of the first commercial steam locomotive run on rails in the United States, the Stourbridge Lion, adding a rich layer to its industrial heritage.
The Wayne County Historical Society presents exhibits on canal and railroad history, shedding light on the town’s growth. For dining, visitors can choose the upscale Hotel Wayne, known for its fine dining and bistro bar, or the more relaxed Trackside Grill, offering views of the historic railroad. Outdoor lovers can visit Honesdale Park, which has walking paths and recreational facilities, serving as a popular venue for community events and gatherings.
Milford
Milford is situated at the crossroads of the Delaware River and the Pocono Mountains’ foothills. Established in 1796, it rapidly gained popularity as a resort in the 19th century, thanks to its scenic landscape and fresh mountain air. The town is also renowned for the Milford Historic District, which features a range of well-preserved buildings that reflect its prosperous history.
The Columns Museum houses the famous Lincoln Flag, believed to be stained with Abraham Lincoln’s blood from the night of his assassination, providing a profound historical experience. For dining, Bar Louis at the Hotel Fauchère offers a contemporary menu in a stylish setting, while the Waterwheel Café provides a rustic atmosphere with live music and local cuisine. Additionally, Grey Towers National Historic Site, the former home of Gifford Pinchot, founder of the U.S. Forest Service, offers guided tours and scenic grounds.
Mount Joy
Mount Joy was founded in 1759 and has a name derived from an old Irish ship, the “Mountjoy,” which played a pivotal role in breaking a siege during the Irish Confederate Wars. This town, nestled among the rich, rolling farmlands of the county, has historically been a hub for agriculture and today melds historic charm with modern vibrancy, evident in its revitalized downtown area.
Bube’s Brewery, an intact historic 19th-century brewery and museum, offers unique dining experiences in its catacombs and regularly hosts murder mystery dinners. The Country Table Restaurant is known for its comfort food and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the town’s friendly spirit. For outdoor activities, Little Chiques Park provides scenic walking paths and picnic areas, perfect for family outings. Additionally, the annual “Mount Joy Winterfest” brings the community together with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, showcasing the town’s lively community spirit.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg is a vibrant town established in 1785. It is home to Bucknell University, established in 1846, which adds a youthful energy and cultural richness to the town. Lewisburg’s downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a tree-lined main street that enhances its historic charm.
In terms of activities and dining, Lewisburg offers a variety of choices that cater to both residents and visitors. The Campus Theatre, one of the few remaining single-screen art deco movie theaters in the country, offers a unique cinematic experience. For dining, Elizabeth’s American Bistro provides a fine dining experience using local ingredients, while the Bull Run Tap House offers a more casual atmosphere with a comprehensive selection of craft beers. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hufnagle Park offers a green retreat in the heart of the town, complete with walking paths and garden areas, making it a popular gathering place for community events and casual recreation.
As we journey through Pennsylvania’s coziest corners, we discover that these small towns do more than just charm visitors with their picturesque settings and historical backdrops. They invite us into a world where community spirit thrives and every street and alley tells a story. These towns, from Lititz’s pretzel-perfumed air to Lewisburg’s university vibes, showcase the true heart of Pennsylvania through their unyielding warmth and hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat or a peek into America’s storied past, these towns offer a refuge where friendliness is the native language.
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