This Chicago Tribune article addresses the need for an overhaul of the red-light camera ticketing systems in place all over Chicago and its surrounding Suburbs. A new measure sponsored and endorsed by Senate leaders today suggests the following:
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“SPRINGFIELD — Red-light camera tickets would be slightly harder to get and cheaper to appeal under a reform plan endorsed by Senate leaders today that fell far short of the sweeping overhaul demanded by critics of the automated devices.
The measure was sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, and hammered out in a closed-door meeting last week with other lawmakers and lobbyists for Redflex and Redspeed, vendors hired to operate camera systems for Chicago and many suburbs…”
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While there are many opponents to the red-light cameras themselves, there are arguments to be made for their effectiveness on both sides of the debate. Especially encouraging are reports that indicate that minor infractions, such as rolling past the white line before making a right turn on red (if allowed) do not affect drivers safety and instead, its the drivers who barrel through the red light entirely which causes the most harm to other drivers. Of course, this is common sense and seems like observations that most people can understand and relate to….. but the current rules allow for tickets for merely rolling past the white line.
There are obviously issue to be hammered out, and many strong opponents tendering valid arguments as to outlawing the red-light cameras themselves. This Chicago Attorney for one, believes that there are many more ways that the governing bodies in the City and Suburbs who have installed and are installing these cameras could make money by not abusing drivers for inconsequential infractions.
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To learn more about Tatiana Czaplicki, and the services her office provides, please visit her web page or contact her at 312.672.9628.