By Jim Brown
Remember your parents telling you that “patience is a virtue?” Learn to wait and take your time, because if you rush to your destination in the city, it may cost you $100, and the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) wants their money when they issue these citations.
The PPA’s s red light camera violations that we see posted throughout the city include those occurring at the “No Turn On Red Light” sign.
Recently, I didn’t know that I committed a violation by turning right on red. I didn’t read the sign or note that it only applied to speeding. My ignorance about this violation as I made a right turn at the intersection of Parkside and Belmont Avenues ended up costing me $100. I tried to fight it, but was unsuccessful and now must pay the citation within the next 7 to 10 days.
The general public may not be aware that these citations will be strongly enforced, and that they are hard to fight or get thrown out. Last week, I returned to the intersection to observe drivers for 30 minutes. Within those 30 minutes, there were two cars that made illegal right turns nine minutes apart, unaware that a citation will be sent to their homes in the next two weeks or so.
Hopefully, readers of The Philadelphia Sunday SUN will let other residents know about the additional fine that may come about with this speeding citation.
Take time at the light to wait and then turn right. Lesson learned — now to pay the ticket and follow the signs that some of us have unconsciously ignored for years.
For more information about Philadelphia’s red light camera program, visit: https://philapark.org/red-light-cameras/.
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