Chicago speed cameras hit motorists with over $102 million in fines during 2023, and $879 million total since they started flashing a decade ago. The mayor promised to eliminate the automated traffic cams, which issued a ticket every 20 seconds last year.
By Patrick Andriesen | Illinois Policy Institute
Chicago speed cameras generated over $102 million from fining drivers in 2023, slapping a motorist with a speeding ticket every 20 seconds.
One of them was Ingrid Walker, 64, of Evanston, who received two speed camera tickets and incurred a late fee on one. She is disabled and said the tickets and fee would have cost her more than 10% of her fixed income of about $800 a month.
“The speeding tickets I got were at Western and Devon. I got one when I was coming back from the pharmacist to pick up compounded medication. The people in front of me were slowing down to talk to each other on the road,” Walker said. “It seemed like a dangerous situation, so I tried to speed up to get around them.”
“I vaguely remember a flash near the intersection and weeks later, I got a speeding ticket in the mail. It was a $35 ticket. By the time I was able to contact the city to pay them, the fines had doubled, and I learned I had received a second $35 ticket at the intersection.”
The bulk fine collections included late fees last year. Speed cameras collected $46.9 million from fines paid on time and an additional $55.4 million from speeding tickets that included a late fee – more than doubling the cost of those ticket
Late penalties can turn a $35 citation into an $85 fine. A $100 speeding violation can cost the driver $244 if the payment is late.
“I’ve never received a speeding ticket before,” Walker said. “I’ve done limousine driving, I used to do car transport driving. I’m a very conscientious driver. So, it surprised me that I got it when I was trying to be safe.”
The fines made for a very difficult month and Walker missed out on some necessities.
“It felt more like a punch in the face than a slap on the hand,” she said.
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What ever happened to people taking responsibility for their actions? From speeders, to tourists with bullets, to a former President everyone has an excuse for bad judgement. It’s becoming ridiculous!