Philly Parking Authority’s first data release: locations of red-light cameras

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has jumped into the open data movement. Its first offering: the locations of the city’s 111 red light cameras.

See the data here. Find a map of the red light cameras here in a side project from developer Tom Mount.

This data release is notable, for one, because the PPA does not answer to the mayor (it’s governed by a state-appointed board) and does not necessarily have to follow the Mayor’s Open Data Executive Order. Philly’s open data movement has seen buy-in from other non-city agencies, like the School District and SEPTA.

The release also suggests that the PPA is making a move to embrace innovation. The agency is not known for accepting change, seen most recently when on demand car service Sidecar was forced to shut down due to PPA issues. But its efforts around social media has suggested interest in changing that brand.

City Commissioner and PPA board member Al Schmidt was “instrumental” in getting the data release process started, said Chief Data Officer Mark Headd. Schmidt was appointed to the PPA board in September.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s surrounding counties are considering whether or not to install their own red light cameras.