City of Chicago data showed a 77% increase in fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2020. | Adobe Stock
City of Chicago data showed a 77% increase in fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2020. | Adobe Stock
It's time for red-light cameras to go, said Illinois state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst).
“For years, Democratic legislators have told the public that they favor red-light camera reform, but in private, they work behind the scenes to kill reform legislation because their local governments are addicted to the revenue,” the representative said on Facebook. She introduced House Bill 1718 which would ban all red-light cameras in Illinois.
In January, Chicago announced that drivers going six to 10 miles over the speed limit in Automated Speed Enforcement zones will be fined $35, Fox 32 reported. Drivers exceeding the speed limit by 11 miles per hour or more will be ticketed $100, the story said.
A group called Chicago Coalition for Change supports Mazzochi's efforts and says on its website that its has succeeded in removing 86 cameras in the state.
"Mayor Lightfoot has decided that the way to raise revenue during a pandemic is to set up speed traps for the essential workers who have to drive," Chicago Coalition for Change said on its website.
The city said the goal is not to issue tickets but to encourage safer driving and reduce injuries and deaths from traffic accidents, Fox 32 reported, after city data showed a 77% increase in fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2020..
A list of red light cameras in Chicago can be found here.
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