Top Pa. Lawmaker Wants To Shut Down Corruption-Plagued Phila. Traffic Court
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A key Pennsylvania lawmaker says he will push proposals to eliminate Philadelphia's troubled Traffic Court.
State senator Dominic Pileggi (R-Chester County), the Senate majority leader, is proposing a two-pronged approach. Because Philadelphia Traffic Court was established by the state constitution, he is proposing an amendment to that would formally eliminate it, moving its functions to Municipal Court.
But Pileggi spokesman Erik Arneson says the senator will also introduce legislation that would do the same thing as a practical matter:
"If the bill is passed but the constitutional amendment, for whatever reason, doesn't go anywhere, Traffic Court would still exist but in name only," Arneson explains. "Its responsibilities would be completely overseen by the Municipal Court."
Pileggi plans to introduce both proposals in the coming weeks. Adds Arneson: "This is an idea that Senator Pileggi strongly believes is the right way to go. The corruption and stink at Traffic Court is longstanding and needs to be addressed, and previous reform efforts have failed. It's time to eliminate Traffic Court."
