Illinois House Approves Speeding Camera Legislation
By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 10, 2011 2:10PM
Mayor Rahm Emanuel's wish for speed enforcement cameras around parks and school zones took another step to realization yesterday after the Illinois House voted in favor of legislation that could cover nearly half of Chicago with surveillance cameras.
Emanuel praised the vote in a statement:
“I commend the Illinois House for their leadership in voting to protect our children around schools and parks,” said Emanuel. “This is another step in our comprehensive plan to protect our children from harm."
The mayor has framed his plan for speed enforcement cameras as an extension of the city's efforts to keep children safe. But The Expired Meter reported earlier this week the potential revenue that could be generated from the cameras could eclipse that of Chicago's red light cameras.
House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) rounded up enough votes to pass the measure and also echoed Emanuel's sentiments the cameras were a child safety issue.
“We can protect our children. We can show a significant reduction in speeding. That’ll lead not to just fewer fatalities, but it’ll lead to a lot less serious injuries along the way...“All the studies show us when you have strong enforcement … of the speeding laws, guess what: People slow down,” she said.
The legislation only needs Gov. Pat Quinn's signature to become law. A Quinn spokesperson said he would review the bill.