Jefferson Park Speed Cameras To Start Issuing Tickets
CHICAGO (STMW) -- Come Sunday, Automated Speed Enforcement cameras will begin to issue speeding tickets in "Children Safety Zones" near Jefferson Park, a statement from the Chicago Department of Transportation said.
The cameras were placed near the park, at 5471 W. Higgins Ave., last month, and have been issuing warnings since then.
Fines for violations are $35 for vehicles traveling 6-10 mph over the posted speed limit while in a safety zone, and $100 for vehicles traveling 11 or more mph over the posted speed limit.
The city will start enforcement by issuing tickets for drivers going 10 or more mph over the posted speed limit. That ticket threshold will gradually be lowered going forward, CDOT added.
Meanwhile, several other cameras will also be placed near safety zones, and will issue warnings for the first 30 days.
The 30-day warning period will begin Friday near Schaefer Park, 2448 N. Clybourn Ave., and Francis Xavier Ware School, 18 W. Superior St. Meanwhile, ASE cameras will also be issuing warnings on Sunday near Portage Park, 4123 N. Central Ave., according to CDOT.
The city plans to equip Children's Safety Zones around parks and schools with ASE cameras in an effort to increase safety and reduce speeding, according to CDOT. Any revenue generated by the program is to be invested in critical safety initiatives including after-school, anti-violence and jobs programs; crossing guards and police officers around schools; and infrastructure improvements, such as additional signs, crosswalk markings and other traffic safety improvements, CDOT said.
The Children's Safety Zones are designated within 1/8th of a mile from Chicago parks or schools. The city ordinance establishing the program narrows the hours and locations of enforcement that are allowed under state law, and provides for the following:
- The enforcement hours will be limited from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in safety zones around schools, Monday through Friday.
- 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.: 20 mph speed limit when children are present; the posted speed limit when no children are present.
- 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: The posted speed limit.
- The enforcement hours around parks will be limited to only those hours parks are open, usually from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, CDOT added.
