Final Warning Before Chicago Speed Camera Enforcement Begins

Final notice was given by Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office Wednesday before the new automated speed cameras near parks and schools we begin issuing real tickets. Some of the cameras have been running under a grace period over the last couple of months but will soon be switching to enforcement mode as early as Wednesday. However, it is now reported that speeders will be given a second chance. The system will send a warning ticket first and the driver is only fined on a second offense.

According to city officials, a $100 fine will be imposed for speeds of 11 mph or more over the limit during the initial phase. Drivers will not yet be ticketed for driving 6 to 9 mph over the limit. Drivers traveling at exactly 10 mph over the limit may face a $35 fine at this time. The city will gradually lower the speed threshold and those speeding 6-10 mph will face a $35 fine.

During the 45-day grace period, the first nine cameras near four city parks issued 222,843 warnings. According to the Tribune, if real tickets, they would reportedly have generated $13.3 million. Projected over an entire year they would have generated $106 million. City City officials argue that revenue will drop as drivers change behavior. They cite statistics demonstrating that warnings issued by the first 9 cameras decreased by 43% within the first two weeks of operation. Enforcement hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday in school zones and from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week near parks.

The city plans to expand the cameras to a total of 100 locations by the end of the year. It is important to note that these tickets are punishable by fine only and not counted by the Secretary of State as moving violations.

Speeding drivers to get last warning before camera crackdown, www.chicagotribune.com, October 16, 2013 Speed Cameras To Begin Issuing First Tickets Today, www.chicago.cbslocal.com, October 16, 2013