Speed cameras for school zones advances
SPRINGFIELD - Intending to show once and for all that using cameras to ticket speeding drivers is only about safety, a suburban state senator on Thursday changed his plan allowing speed cameras on nearly any road to only permit speed cameras to be used in school, park and hospital zones.
"We feel that these are areas where our children and vulnerable individuals are walking and we are very concerned about them," said state Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat. "I think this will meet the safety concerns of what we're talking about."
Under the revised plan, cities and villages would be allowed to contract with speed camera companies that would install equipment, watch for speeders and issue tickets in the specific zones.
"I think we took the concerns about revenue enhancements out of here to make this bill what it was: truly a safety bill," Link said.
But several state senators said they were still not convinced by Link's safety claims and believe speed camera enforcement is only about making money.
"I just fundamentally disagree with the principle of having the cameras, where they're used and why they're used and what their real purpose is. The kind of money they generate is just incredible," said state Sen. Dan Duffy, a Lake Barrington Republican. "In suburban areas they definitely use them as Cash Station machines."
State Sen. Tim Bivins, a Dixon Republican, agreed with Duffy. "I'm all about safety, but I think this is more about revenue and I can't support the bill," he said.
A trucking industry spokesman said truck drivers also oppose the speed camera plan because truckers are sick of getting tickets due to misread license plates by tollway enforcement cameras.
"We just don't think the technology is up there yet. We don't think this is a good way to go about enforcement. We prefer that law enforcement officers we do have out there enforce the laws," said Matt Hart, associate director of the Mid-West Truckers Association.
Nevertheless, the changes allowing speed cameras in school, park and hospital zones were approved 5-4 by the Senate Commerce Committee.
But even supporters of Link's proposal were concerned that speed cameras might set a dangerous precedent.
"I'm just hoping that we don't come up with something else, after this is in, another new technique to go ahead and again go after people and keep harassing people," said state Sen. Iris Martinez, a Chicago Democrat, who voted for the plan.
The speed camera plan was amended onto a proposal previously approved by the Illinois House. The full Senate must still approve the plan, the House must agree to the changes and Gov. Pat Quinn must sign on before speed cameras become law.