Chicago's first speed cameras, set up at Foster and Pulaski on the Northwest Side, were turned on Monday.
The cameras will measure how fast drivers are going, and will issue tickets if it's over the speed limit.
For the first 30 days, drivers accused of speeding will get a warning in the mail. After the 30 days, drivers clocked going from 6 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit will get fined $35. Tickets are $100 for drivers who go 11 miles per hour or more above the speed limit.
The city plans to have speed cameras in 50 spots by the end of the year, and eventually at up to 300 locations.
Illinois law permits the cameras to be placed within 1/8 of a mile of schools
and parks. Chicago has so many schools and parks, an analysis by the Chicago Tribune found the 1/8-of-a-mile standard covers nearly half the city.
and parks. Chicago has so many schools and parks, an analysis by the Chicago Tribune found the 1/8-of-a-mile standard covers nearly half the city.
Critics say it's a pure money grab. Testing of the cameras indicate each intersection with cameras could generate $1.2 million a month in tickets.
The city has a big budget hole to fill and the mayor admits to wanting the extra cash, but he also says the cameras will also make people walking along the streets -- especially children -- safer.
-- safer.
A few people in the neighborhoods agree.
"I like it cuz I got kids," one resident says. "So, with the busy street here we just live right down the block so I think it's a good thing."
Some critics say the speed cameras will not even make roads safer. In fact, one person we spoke with says they'll just make drivers nervous. He points to red light cameras and the unease some drivers have about not knowing whether to step on the gas or the brake when the light is turning yellow.
"They have signs for red light camera enforcement and people still drive in fear of getting taxed at every intersection," Barnet Fagel, an advocate for motorists' rights, says. "Usurped out of their hard earned money by a machine. There's no due process like their would be in a similar case if an officer issued a ticket."
Read more: http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/23260874/the-talker-chicagos-first-speed-cameras-now-operational#ixzz2dAGWMmAh
How did our elected representative (Ald.) vote on the democrat cash cameras?
ReplyDeleteHow bout rahm whining about parents who are going to keep their kids out of school tomorrow to protest the school closings. he says they should use the political process and the court rooms to protest. where the hell would these inner city parents get the money to go to court. the parents should make rahm make his kids go to inner city public schools for just 1 day
ReplyDeleteHey - Rahm Emanuel keeps HIS kids out of public schools.
DeleteI wont be visiting or doing business in Chicago ever again staying in the suburbs.
ReplyDeleteI hate to defend Rahm, but the suburbs are just as bad. Palos Heights has to be among the worst. Red light camera at 127th and Harlem and traffic police all up and down Harlem and College Drive. Gotta wonder if they could catch a crook in the County Jail.
DeleteIm moving to Palos Heights!
DeletePolitically connected Meade Electric installed democrat speed trap cameras Wed. Aug. 28th between 67th and 71st on Kedzie. Be warned.
ReplyDeleteWas there competitive bidding for the electrical work?
DeleteAnother cash grab by the wonderful folks in charge. With the blessing of OUR elected officials. When will we wake up. It can start right here in the 19th ward. IF WE WANT . But will we.......
ReplyDeleteAnother batch of for the children crap compliments of OUR pals in the democratic party..........comrades beware.........another gift to watch the masses........yet the very souls they say they're grot ting will be the ones charged the most......time will tell
ReplyDelete