Council approves red-light camera at Stenton and Ogontz avenues

City Council unanimously approved a bill that, with Mayor Michael Nutter’s signature, will bring a red-light camera to the intersection of Stenton and Ogontz avenues in Northwest Philadelphia.

Eighth District City Councilwoman Cindy Bass sponsored the legislation (PDF) which will seek red-light violations at an intersection near both the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ and Wagner Middle School in an area where Mt. Airy, Germantown and West Oak Lane meet.

A survey of the area found nearly 120 red-light violations within a 12-hour period, a markedly higher figure than other nearby intersections.

“The intersection at Stenton and Ogontz avenues has been dangerous for a long time due to the disregard for traffic existing traffic signals,” Bass explained. “In order to hopefully avert a future accident or tragedy — especially while our school students are on summer break — Council has passed an ordinance to place red-light enforcement cameras at that intersection.”

In February, Bass told NewsWorks she was also interested in having red-light cameras installed at two spots along Lincoln Drive.

While the bill says the camera will be immediately installed, Bass’ spokesman Joseph Corrigan said Friday that there is no set date for that to happen yet.

As of fiscal year 2012, there were a total of 96 red-light cameras at 21 intersections, according to a report from the Philadelphia Parking Authority, which is in charge of them. There are now more than 110.