The Committee on Streets and Services convened on October 1, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals aimed at improving traffic safety in Philadelphia. The meeting featured testimonies from various officials and stakeholders regarding the implementation of traffic regulations and automated speed enforcement systems.

The session began with a review of Bill Number 250771, which proposes a technical amendment. The committee confirmed the amendment's nature and moved forward without any questions from members. Following this, the committee addressed Bill Number 250575, which seeks to establish a two-way traffic regulation on Gorgeous Lane between Ridge Avenue and Lawton Street. Noel Marconi, the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets, testified that the department does not oppose this regulation and can implement signage within 60 days.

Next, the committee discussed Bill Number 250711, which aims to regulate traffic direction on Preston Street between Spring Garden and Haverford. Marconi reiterated the department's support for this one-way regulation, also noting that signage could be posted within the same timeframe.

The most significant discussion centered around Bill Number 250770, which proposes the use of automated speed enforcement cameras on designated state routes. Cole Appleman, a Transportation Policy Analyst, presented the bill, highlighting its potential to reduce speeding-related accidents and fatalities. He noted that speed is a critical factor in crash severity and that previous implementations of speed cameras on Roosevelt Boulevard have led to a 95% reduction in speeding violations and a 50% decrease in pedestrian-involved crashes.

The committee members raised concerns about the criteria used to select the corridors for speed enforcement, particularly regarding the lack of access to specific speed study data that informed these decisions. Members expressed the need for transparency and the ability to validate the data used to justify the implementation of speed cameras. Appleman and Marco Guarini, the Vision Zero Program Manager, explained that while crash data is publicly available, the specific speed studies are privileged and not accessible for public review.

Several witnesses, including representatives from the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Fifth Square, voiced their support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of speed cameras in enhancing safety for all road users. They argued that the cameras are not merely a revenue-generating tool but a necessary measure to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.

The meeting concluded with a call for further evaluation of additional corridors for future speed enforcement measures, acknowledging that many areas in Philadelphia experience similar safety concerns. The committee's discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety through legislative action and community engagement.