Quinn 'not really excited about' speed cameras

Gov. Pat Quinn is frowning upon a proposal to allow speed enforcement via camera.

Quinn said Friday he was "not really excited about" the idea, but he didn't completely rule out his signature on the legislation if it gets to his desk.

State Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat, is pushing a measure to allow speed enforcement cameras, saying they will promote safety more efficiently than police officers.

Critics argue the cameras would just become a cash cow for local governments and would do little to keep drivers safe because the tickets do not end up on a driver's record.

Like red-light enforcement cameras, which have flourished in the suburbs since being introduced in 2006, a speeding ticket from a camera would function more like a parking ticket, going to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving.

The cameras snap pictures of cars caught by radar detectors traveling over a certain speed. They are popular in other countries and have made some headway in other states.

Quinn cited "Big Brother" issues with the cameras, but ultimately said he wouldn't rule out support without seeing the details of the legislation. The proposal is pending in the Senate.