Traffic Tickets: Untapped Millions For Highway Upkeep

In Philadelphia alone, $250 million in unpaid traffic tickets could be put to use; new collection techniques are now beginning in earnest.

1 minute read

March 9, 2006, 5:00 AM PST

By David Gest

"An astounding quarter-billion dollars may be owed to the Philadelphia Traffic Court, and the institution, widely loathed by drivers, is rolling out some changes in hopes of collecting a chunk of that cash."

"Soon, the court will have at least one van prowling the city's neighborhoods with a $75,000 computer system that scans the license plates of parked cars. Software will automatically determine whether a vehicle is operated by a scofflaw, and a boot crew will immobilize it."

Last year, the city "collected and disbursed $22.8 million to the city's general fund and to the state for highway-related purposes."

Thanks to Criminal Justice Journalists

FULL STORY: Traffic court changes course to get its cash

Sunday, March 5, 2006 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

Transportation Pennsylvania

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Learn More

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.