The warning period is over Thursday for drivers who violate the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s newly expanded 30-block region under the agency’s Smart Loading Zone initiative. After expending the ongoing program to 52-blocks across the city last month, on Thursday, the 30-day warning perio d ends and drivers will begin receiving fines for violating these zones. The Smart Loading Zone Initiative was launched in May 2025 to help the PPA manage loading and unloading activity in loading zones across Center City, the PPA said. “Our initial Smart Loading Zone pilot clearly demonstrates that camera technology works and has significantly improved traffic flow on two of our most congested arteries,” said Acting PPA Executive Director Gabe Roberts in a statement. “We are making substantial progress in our effort to reduce congestion on Center City streets, which in turn improves public safety and the quality of life in Philadelphia.” The effort uses camera-based technology and a platform called CurbPass to detect and charge for parking. Drivers who park in a designated Smart Loading Zone for more than three minutes will need to register with the CurbPass platform. For every minute a registered vehicle is parked, they will be charged 10 cents, with the maximum stay being one hour. If vehicles remain in a Smart Loading Zone for more than three minutes without being registered with CurbPass, or they exceed the posted time limit, the PPA said that they will be subject to a $51 citation. Once a car is registered, PPA officials said, the vehicle will be automatically identified by license plate through the camera technology. No meter or manual start to the parking session will be required. PPA officials called the system “tolling for the curb,” as it charges drivers for the precise amount of time they use a loading zone. More than 49,000 vehicles have registered with CurbPass in Philadelphia to date, according to the PPA. A full map of the loading zones can be found below. A number of traffic improvements have been recorded since the implementation of the Smart Loading Zone pilot program was launched in 2025, according to the PPA. Traffic speeds have increased 28% on Chestnut Street Traffic speeds have increased 32% on Walnut Street Commercial vehicle use of designated SLZs has increased by 97% The PPA has also reported key outcomes of the program since its launch, including: More than 49,500 cars have been registered to CurbPass – 41,100 personal accounts, 8,000 vehicles operating across 145 fleet accounts 51% compliance rate within the Smart Loading Zones 78% of violators received only one citation This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less