Speed cameras went up across Chicago on Monday. Mayor Rahm Emanuel says they’ll keep streets safer, but critics say it’s just a way to make money. Mary Ann Ahern reports.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to improve safety around schools and city parks kicks in Monday with the installation of four speed cameras in the city, the first of dozens planned over the next few months.
Warnings will be sent to speeding motorists 30 days after each camera is operational. When the violation period kicks in, drivers will also be allowed one free warning.
Fines are $35 for vehicles 6-10 miles over the speed limit and $100 for anything over 11 mph.
The first locations to get the cameras are:
- Garfield Park(100 N. Central Park Ave.)
- Gompers Park (4222 W. Foster Ave.)
- Washington Park (5531 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive)
- Marquette Park (6743 S. Kedzie Ave.)
An additional eight cameras will be installed in September at the following locations:
- Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Humboldt Dr.
- Douglas Park, 1401 S. Sacramento
- Curie High School, 4959 S. Archer Ave.
- McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd.
- Jones High School, 606 S. State St.
- Legion Park, 3100 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
- Abbott Park, 49 E. 95th St. Chicago
- Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 W. 111th St.
The Children’s Safety Zone Program is designed to remind motorists to slow down in school and park zones.
Enforcement times will be limited to 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays in school zones, with a 20 mph speed limist from from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. when children are present, and a 30 mph speed limit from 4-7 p.m. A 30 mph speed limit will be enforced from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. every day of the week in park zones.
