PPA Releases Report on ADA Mobility Access Initiative
(PHILADELPHIA) – The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) today released a report on its ADA Mobility Access Initiative that commenced in the spring of 2024. (https://bit.ly/4dFzjNt)
The initiative is a dual public education and on-street enforcement initiative aimed at stopping illegal parking in HP reserved parking spots and on sidewalks, and blocking curb cuts and crosswalks. All of these parking violations impede access for people with disabilities and create serious safety hazards — while inconveniencing thousands of disabled and non-disabled residents alike every year.
PPA Executive Director Rich Lazer said, “the ADA Mobility Access Initiative is aimed at improving public safety by changing behavior and raising public awareness to the safety implications and the adverse impact on people with disabilities when motorists park illegally on sidewalks or block curb cuts and crosswalks.”
In conjunction with increased on-street enforcement efforts, the PPA partnered with Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley (https://varietyphila.org/) and aired a series of public service announcements (PSAs) featuring Lamoni Green, a Variety Ambassador and local college student born with cerebral palsy and Sheila Hess, the former Philadelphia City Representative who was born with spina bifida — on local radio and on various social media channels.
Lamoni Green and Sheila Hess represent the thousands of Philadelphians and millions of Americans with physical disabilities who must confront barriers every day that impede their access and freedom of movement on our city streets.
Three of the PSAs can be viewed by clicking on the links below;
Almost two years after the start of the initiative, data shows violations relating to accessibility — sidewalk violations rose from 23,513 in 2023 to 58,730 in 2025, while blocked handicap-ramp violations increased from 18,959 to 37,619 over the same period. Corner-clearance and double-parking totals also increased, highlighting both the scale of the challenge and the need for continued citywide enforcement.
“The ADA Mobility Access Initiative reflects a broader quality-of-life strategy by the PPA. By reclaiming sidewalks, curb ramps, and corners, the PPA is helping promote mobility, improve pedestrian safety, reduce hazards near intersections, and reinforce accessibility,” Lazer said.
VIEW ADA MOBILITY ACCESS INITIATIVE REPORT
