Philadelphia deploys automated 'smart' loading zones across Center City

Philadelphia Parking Authority is set to launch Smart Loading Zones and automated curb management to Enhance Safety and Curbside Efficiency

Philadelphia, PA — March 26 2025 — The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), in partnership with Automotus, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of smart loading zones throughout the Center City area downtown, building on the learnings from a pilot conducted two years ago with a software-only approach. This initiative represents a significant step forward in reducing congestion, improving curbside efficiency, and cutting emissions in one of the nation’s busiest urban centers.

The new smart loading zones are equipped with state-of-the-art camera technology to monitor and manage curbside activity in real-time. Drivers entering these zones will scan a QR code to register their vehicle with CurbPass to automate payment. Vehicles will be charged based on their length of stay, ensuring compliance with parking regulations while promoting turnover and accessibility. This innovation also supports safer streets by reducing double parking and curbside conflicts through automated enforcement.

Automotus’ computer vision-powered platform creates a seamless curb management experience by integrating automated payment systems, real-time availability monitoring, and enforcement tools. The program will initially cover core areas of Center City before expanding to other commercial districts based on the results of this launch phase.

"On any given day, our Center City streets are severely congested—often due to delivery vehicles parking wherever they can, whether legal or not," PPA Executive Director Rich Lazer said in prepared remarks. "We believe our Smart Loading Zone Initiative is a significant step toward resolving these issues, bringing delivery drivers into compliance, and reducing illegal parking that leads to daily gridlock."

This partnership reflects the Automotus and PPA’s commitment to fostering sustainable urban mobility solutions while addressing the unique challenges posed by increased e-commerce deliveries and urban traffic.

The smart loading zones initiative builds on the pilot conducted in 2022 and 2023. The results demonstrated significant potential for streamlining curb management, paving the way for this automated deployment.