. . . Is federal help
on the way?

The effort to boost safety on Roosevelt Boulevard might be getting an assist soon from the federal government.
On Monday, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter stood on a grass median at Welsh Road and Roosevelt Boulevard to endorse the red light camera program and announce that he will try to win funding to add cameras at more intersections.
Specter, a leading member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, believes the money would be a good investment because he’s convinced the cameras save lives and injuries.
Right now, anyone going through a red light on the Boulevard at Cottman Avenue, Grant Avenue or Red Lion Road will be mailed a picture of their car going through a steady red light and a $100 ticket.
There are also cameras at Mascher Street, Levick Street, Rhawn Street, Welsh Road and Southampton Road. Motorists who go through a red light at those intersections will be given a warning for now. Real tickets will be mailed beginning Aug. 5.
The only other sites with cameras in the city are at Broad Street and Oregon Avenue and 34th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, both in South Philadelphia.
Joe Ashdale, chairman of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, which administers the program, said the cameras help pedestrians who take public transportation.
"It’s really hard crossing twelve lanes," he said.
State Rep. George Kenney likes the way the system works and is preparing a bill to use the cameras to catch motorists who speed through green lights and between intersections.
"Speeding is still an issue," he said.
Republican mayoral candidate Al Taubenberger said he favors any effort to make the Boulevard a safer highway.
"There’s no price tag on human lives and safety," he said. ••