Drivers Face $76 Fines Under New Automatic Ticket Law

• READ MORE: I'm liable for $38,000 in parking fines in San Francisco related to a vehicle I do not possess.

Local authorities are progressively leveraging technology to penalize drivers who violate regulations.

Beginning Wednesday, drivers in Philadelphia will be surveilled using cameras installed on nearly 200 public buses circulating throughout the city.

The cameras monitor streets for cars improperly parked at bus stops and in no-stopping areas. When such violations are detected, the system captures an image and forwards it to the authorities. An officer then determines if a citation should be issued, resulting in a $76 penalty from the municipality.

Philadelphia has joined cities such as New York and Los Angeles in implementing automated camera surveillance systems.

Although this technology is common throughout Europe — particularly in the UK, where speed cameras cover main thoroughfares — it remains quite uncommon in the US.

Gone are the times when we allowed individuals to pass through with an 'I’ll risk it since I won’t be apprehended’ mentality," stated New York Governor Kathy Hochul. "You will indeed be caught.

The executive director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, Rich Lazer, stated that this initiative involves three municipal departments working together with the aim of enhancing security and reducing congestion.

He mentioned that the cameras will aid in decreasing congestion and enhancing traffic movement.

Officials commended the technology, stating it would assist a law enforcement organization that has documented record low staffing And unprecedented levels of vacant positions within departments.

It’s being said that this change will clear spaces at bus stops for wheelchair users and simultaneously improve response times for emergency services.

"This is yet another pioneering measure aimed at ensuring the safety of Philadelphia residents and maintaining smooth traffic flow," stated Jim Kenney, the city’s mayor.

'With these cameras, we're boosting efficiency in our streets to make our city even more accessible.'

The city states that 152 SEPTA buses and 38 trolley cars will be equipped with the new ticketing technology.

On April 15, the city began issuing warning tickets to motorists who were caught by the buses. Starting from May 7, these warnings will be replaced with complete citations.

Drivers caught parking near Center City will be fined $76, whereas those who park unlawfully in other neighborhoods will incur a fine of $51.

New York City's MTA initiated the automated camera enforcement (ACE) program which installed cameras on numerous buses to oversee parking violations.

Last year, Los Angeles installed cameras on public buses as well. Authorities reported that the technology resulted in $1.6 million in payments from approximately 10,000 fines.

However, as regulatory bodies increasingly rely on advanced technologies for enforcing rules, motorists are countering with new forms of unlawful tactics.

Authorities in New York initiated an enforcement action against motorists who remove their rear license plates from their vehicles.

Without the plates, New York's buses — and its contentious congestion charge fees in Manhattan — cannot allocate charges to vehicle owners.

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