Response from my State Representative about Speed Cameras

I received the email below today from my IL State Representative. My plea to vote no on this bill didn't work, but it sounds like we might still have a chance to convince the Governor not to sign this bill.

Thank you for contacting me about Senate Bill 965 that would allow red light cameras in Chicago to document and ticket speeding violations under certain circumstances.

The cameras operating in school zones could only be active between 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday. The cameras operating in park district zones could only be active from one hour before park opening to one hour after park close.

Speeding violations between 6 and 10 miles per hour over the speed limit would be subject to a $50 fine and speeding violations more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit would be subject to a $100 fine.

Lake Shore Drive and highways with 8 or more lanes are excluded from this bill.

The city is required to post signs giving at least 30 days’ notice before issuing citations. As with the red light cameras, all citations must be reviewed and approved by a technician before issuance. The revenue generated from the tickets would be used for school safety and school transportation. Some of the funds would also be earmarked for after-school programs.

As of today, Senate Bill 965 has not been sent to the Governor who has yet to indicate whether or not he supports the bill. Should he choose to sign it, the bill would become effective on July 1, 2012.