Editorial: Curb appeal

Philadelphia drivers aren't in any danger of being deposed from their king-of-the-road status in Center City, but they'd better be more careful about where they steer and stop from now on.

Under a crackdown that started yesterday by police and parking officers, motorists who double-park, block intersections, or stop illegally in loading zones will find themselves ticketed or even towed more quickly.

The initiative announced Friday by Mayor Nutter's administration and the Philadelphia Parking Authority is aimed at keeping traffic moving, cutting congestion and pollution, and making streets safer. If it's successful, the campaign would be good news for anyone who drives, walks, or runs a business downtown.

The enforcement effort is a natural follow-up to the January increase in parking-meter rates in Center City - the first such hike in a decade.

The meter increases were designed to free up curbside parking for shoppers (and generate more revenue). The hike is forcing more commuters to park in off-street garages or take public transit. That should cut pollution from drivers circling the block in search of a space, and improve traffic flow.

Now, tougher traffic enforcement will be another incentive for drivers to obey the rules of the road when behind the wheel.

Not to mention, pedestrians will also benefit if the crackdown results in fewer crosswalks being blocked by motorists trying to beat a red light.

While the city has posted "Don't Block the Box" signs - coupled with $300 fines - motorists routinely stop on the crosswalks with apparent impunity, forcing pedestrians out into oncoming traffic. When signals are red, too many drivers looking to turn right also menace pedestrians by entering the crosswalk.

Aggressive ticketing for blocking the box will be a good barometer of success. City officials should report regularly on the tickets given out, an effort that will raise needed revenue as well as improve safety.

Motorists can help by using common sense instead of jockeying dangerously to get one car-length ahead in city traffic.