Governor Patrick Quinn signed the so-called "speed cam bill" into law. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel spearheaded the drive for passage of the bill, personally lobbying state legislators to support the bill. Governor Quinn had taken some time to consider whether he would sign the bill, and Mayor Emanuel sensing the governor was wavering in his support, publicly stepped up the pressure on the Governor.
On Monday, the mayor said, “I’ve made out the case. The Legislature has voted on it. I’m hoping the governor signs it, because it’s the right thing to do for the city of Chicago – which has a unique set of issues – and it only applies to Chicago.”
Emanuel said a study shows the legislation could reduce fatal accidents.
“We have seen all the data that show when you put the cameras in – actually – traffic, people comply, and it’s the right thing to do,” Emanuel said. “I didn’t think it was going to be popular. The question is can I save lives.”
The bill was not without its critics, the leading one an organization called Expired Meter opposed the bill.
Barnet Fagel, Traffic Safety Expert for the National Motorist Association doesn’t believe the speed camera law does anything to improve safety and says there is no documented proof automated speed enforcement works.
“He just signed a warrant for more traffic collisions,” said Fagel who pointed to studies which show red light camera enforcement increases vehicle crashes.
Now it is the Chicago City Council’s turn to weigh in on speed cameras. The City Council must pass the law here that allows the city to utilize speed camera enforcement. It could take up the matter as early as Wednesday, February 15th.
There were two bills signed into law concerning "speed cam." The first is SB 965, which requires automatic "speed enforcement "Within one-eighth of a mile" of schools between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. The bill also allows enforcement around parks "from one hour prior to facility opening to one hour after facility closing."
The second part of the bill is SB 1865, which revises portions of SB 965. "Reduces fines set out in SB 965. Sets fines for driving six to 10 miles per hour over speed limit at a maximum of $50 with an additional $50 if late. Sets fines of $100 for driving over 10 miles per hour and an additional $100 if late."
The law goes into effect on July 1st. Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued the following statement.
Today is a good day for Chicago’s children. With the opening of our libraries this afternoon, and Governor Quinn’s signing of the speed camera legislation, our children will be both smarter and safer. I commend Governor Quinn’s signing and the legislature’s bipartisan passing of this legislation. All this requires is that drivers obey the law near schools and parks to ensure the safety of our kids.
Since day one as Mayor, my top priority has been to ensure that Chicago’s children can focus on their studies, not worry about their safety. We have introduced stronger curfew laws, supported after-school and safe passage programs and put more cops and crossing guards closer to our schools. I am grateful to Governor Quinn for supporting one more step in our comprehensive strategy to keep Chicago’s children safe.
The bill is Mayor Emanuel's baby and as he has often stated that he wants it signed into law for the "children." Saving the lives of children is what it is all about and not the possible revenues the "speed cams" would raise. There is no question, however, that significant revenues will be raised.
Send John Presta an email and your story ideas or suggestions, johnpresta@att.net.
John is the author of an award-winning book, the 2010 Winner of the USA National Best Book award for African-American studies, published by The Elevator Group Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, Two Bookstore Owners, and 300 Volunteers did it. Also available an eBook on Amazon.
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