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Caught On Camera: City Issues Over 200,000 Speed Warnings

Speed Camera Installation
A city worker installs a speed camera near Gompers Park. (Credit: CBS)

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The city's nine speed-sensing cameras have captured more than 200,000 violations in the first 40 days of the program, the city said Friday.

This time, drivers got away with a warning.

That will change next Wednesday (Oct. 16) when the city will start issuing tickets for speeders around Gompers Park in the Mayfair neighborhood.

The city will shift from warnings to tickets at the other locations over the next few weeks. Eventually, the plan calls for 50 speed cameras near parks and schools.

While the city says the cameras are designed to encouraged safe driving, those 204,743 violations could have generated up to $20 million in fines--if all of those drivers were given the maximum fine. The Chicago Tribune reports, however, that less than half of those warnings would have resulted in the maximum penalty.

More than 200 motorists have been clocked traveling faster than 60 miles per hour, which is at least twice the legal limit, the city said.

Ten drivers were traveling faster than 80, with one going 90 miles per hour.

Fines for violations are $35 for vehicles travelling 6-10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit while in a safety zone, and $100 for vehicles traveling 11 or more miles over the posted speed limit.

Initially, the city will only issue tickets to those drivers traveling 11 miles per hour or more over the limit.

The enforcement hours will be limited from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in safety zones around schools on school days.

The enforcement hours around parks will be limited to only those hours parks are open.

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