Chicago Speed Camera Legislation Clears State Senate Committee
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposed speed camera legislation is on the radar in Springfield, and passed one hurdle Monday.
As WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports, the mayor wants state lawmakers to allow the City of Chicago to place speed cameras near schools and parks.
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Any motorist busted by a camera would be sent a ticket in the mail.
The proposal was approved by an Illinois Senate committee Monday.
Emanuel said the city has done some studies that have found 25 percent of the cars driving near schools are speeding.
Opponents say the mayor just wants to rake in more money for the city. A Chicago Sun-Times editorial on Monday pointed out that 66 percent of the city is within a quarter mile of a school or park, and thus would be under the watch of a speed camera.
But those who support the legislation say it's all about safety.
Last week, CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine asked the mayor how long it would be before speed cameras are everywhere.
Emanuel promised that won't happen. Instead, existing red light cameras within a quarter mile of schools and parks would be modified and mobile cameras would be brought in near other schools and parks, only to make it safer for kids.
Asked if he pledged to keep the speed cameras off Lake Shore Drive and other areas away from schools, the mayor said, "Absolutely. This is all about schools and parks. It has nothing else … I hope I get no revenue out of it.
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Ill.) says he would like to see the proposal tweaked to allow for people who are just a few miles per hour over the speed limit, the Chicago Tribune reported.
