This speed camera in McKinley Park issued more tickets in June than any other Chicago camera. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
By David Struett and Alden Loury | Chicago Sun*Times
Speed read: Chicago drivers are getting slammed by new speed cameras that went live in June.
The data: The 22 new cameras helped the city issue more than 91,000 speeding tickets over their first month of operation, according to an analysis of city data. In all, city data show 186 speed cameras issued more than 240,000 tickets in June, the most in any month in nearly three years.
Expected outcome: If history provides a guide, the new cameras will continue to catch drivers until motorists change their habits. Five of the city’s six highest ticketing cameras in June started operating that month.
Historic haul: The city’s highest-ticketing speed camera is attached to a light pole at 3358 S. Ashland Ave., near a McKinley Park daycare. With more than 21,000 violations issued, the camera nabbed more drivers than any other, though it only went live June 15.
Fast money?: Fines are $35 for traveling between 6 and 10 mph over the speed limit. It jumps to $100 if the recorded speed is 11 mph or more above the speed limit.
Key context: The cameras that began ticketing in June comprise nearly half of the 50 new speed cameras approved by Mayor Brandon Johnson to help fill an $11.4 million hole in the city’s 2025 budget.
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