Philadelphia Parking Authority
Encyclopedia
The Philadelphia Parking Authority was created by a Philadelphia City Council
ordinance adopted on January 11, 1950, as authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Parking Authority Law (Act of June 5, 1947, 53 P.S. § 341 et. seq.).
The Parking Authority:
to provide full parking services for Philadelphia residents, businesses and visitors.
In popular culture it is the basis of the reality television show Parking Wars
.
to delegate certain powers formerly exercised by various city departments to the Parking Authority. In April, 1983, City Council transferred on-street parking responsibilities to the Authority.
Functions transferred from the Streets Department:
Functions transferred from the Revenue Department:
Functions transferred from the Police Department
:
However, both Police Department officers and SEPTA supervisors can issue parking tickets.
Functions transferred from the Department of Licenses and Inspections:
" repeat parking violation offenders was authorized by City Council in 1983.
and limousines operating in the city, and to adopt and enforce regulations for their operations.
Philadelphia City Council
The Philadelphia City Council, the legislative body of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, consists of ten members elected by district and seven members elected at-large. The council president is elected by the members from among their number...
ordinance adopted on January 11, 1950, as authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Parking Authority Law (Act of June 5, 1947, 53 P.S. § 341 et. seq.).
The Parking Authority:
- Coordinates the parking efforts of public agencies
- Builds and operates public parking facilities
- Does planning and analysis of parking requirements
to provide full parking services for Philadelphia residents, businesses and visitors.
In popular culture it is the basis of the reality television show Parking Wars
Parking Wars
Parking Wars is a reality television series which airs on the A&E television network. The program follows traffic enforcement employees as they ticket, "boot," and tow cars as part of their parking enforcement duties....
.
Off-street parking
Originally, the Parking Authority provided parking garages and parking lots, but various city departments were responsible for on-street parking.On-street parking
In 1982, Philadelphia City Council was authorized by the Pennsylvania General AssemblyPennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. In colonial times , the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Since the Constitution of 1776, written by...
to delegate certain powers formerly exercised by various city departments to the Parking Authority. In April, 1983, City Council transferred on-street parking responsibilities to the Authority.
Functions transferred from the Streets Department:
- Location, installation and maintenance of all parking meters throughout the city
- Preparation of documentation to modify existing or implement new parking regulations, establishing time limits, loading zones, fire hydrant restrictions, reserved parking for people with disabilities, tow-away zones and residential permit parking
- Preparation of work orders for parking regulations signs
Functions transferred from the Revenue Department:
- Meter Collections
Functions transferred from the Police Department
Philadelphia Police Department
The Philadelphia Police Department is the police agency responsible for law enforcement and investigations within the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...
:
- Issuance and processing of parking tickets
- Towing of motor vehicles
- Impoundment of motor vehicles
However, both Police Department officers and SEPTA supervisors can issue parking tickets.
Functions transferred from the Department of Licenses and Inspections:
- Issuance of Loading Zone Permits
- Administration of the Residential Parking Permit Program
Booting
A program to "bootWheel clamp
A wheel clamp, also known as wheel boot or Denver boot, is a device that is designed to prevent vehicles from being moved. In its most common form, it consists of a clamp that surrounds a vehicle wheel, designed to prevent removal of both itself and the wheel.In the United States, these devices...
" repeat parking violation offenders was authorized by City Council in 1983.
Taxicabs and limousines
The Authority was authorized by the General Assembly in July 2004 to regulate taxisTaxicab
A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
and limousines operating in the city, and to adopt and enforce regulations for their operations.
Pilot red light safety program
The Authority has been authorized by the General Assembly to administer a pilot red light enforcement program. Cameras are installed at intersections with a high accident rate, and fines are imposed for motorists who run red lights. Notices are sent by mail to offenders, based on photos of license plates and the motorists themselves.PPA Executive Staff
- Executive Director - Vince Fenerty
- First Deputy Executive Director – Carl Ciglar
- Deputy Executive Director – Linda Miller
- Board Chairman - Joseph T. Ashdale
Board Members
Originally, the Authority's Board of Directors was controlled by city officials, but the legislature, acting at the initiative of Representative John Perzel, has shifted control to state officials, including the Governor and officers of the legislature.- Herman Matthews
- Andrew K. Stutzman, Esquire
- Alfred W. Taubenberger
- Russel Wagner, CPA
- Karen W. Wrigley, OD
Finances
| Year | Assets | Liabilities | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | $379,974,000.00 | $296,739,000.00 | $83,235,000.00 |
| 2010 | $376,351,000.00 | $282,787,000.00 | $93,564,000.00 |
See also
- Parking WarsParking WarsParking Wars is a reality television series which airs on the A&E television network. The program follows traffic enforcement employees as they ticket, "boot," and tow cars as part of their parking enforcement duties....
– A&EA&E NetworkThe A&E Network is a United States-based cable and satellite television network with headquarters in New York City and offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, London, Los Angeles and Stamford. A&E also airs in Canada and Latin America. Initially named the Arts & Entertainment Network, A&E launched...
television series featuring the PPA