Chicago speed cameras sent drivers $28 million less in tickets through September than during the first nine months of 2023. Annual revenues could spike again under proposals to drop the citywide speed limit or boost the number of cameras.
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Summary of Chicago’s Speed Camera Revenue Decline and Future Proposals
Quick Overview
Chicago’s speed camera program has reported a significant decrease in ticket revenue, amounting to $28 million less in fines compared to the same period in 2023. This decline has prompted city officials to consider lowering the speed limit and increasing the number of speed cameras as potential solutions to boost revenue amid a looming budget deficit.
Key Points
- Revenue Decline: Through September 2024, Chicago’s speed cameras generated $54 million in fines, a $28 million drop from the previous year.
- Proposed Changes: City leaders are discussing lowering the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph and increasing the number of cameras to raise an estimated $11 million in 2025.
- Controversial Background: Mayor Brandon Johnson, who previously criticized speed cameras as a form of “regressive taxation,” is now proposing measures to restore revenue from this source.
- Ticketing Trends: Speed cameras issued 804,197 tickets in 2024, with a notable proportion resulting in late fees that significantly increase the total fines.
- Safety Concerns: While the city claims a reduction in crashes around speed cameras, studies indicate mixed results regarding their effectiveness in improving overall traffic safety.
Detailed Breakdown
Revenue and Ticketing Trends
The Chicago speed camera system has seen a drop in ticket revenue, issuing 375,523 fewer tickets from January to September 2024 compared to the same timeframe in 2023. This decline aligns with a broader trend of decreasing revenues since the previous mayor, Lori Lightfoot, lowered the threshold for issuing tickets in March 2021. The current administration anticipates that ticketing could increase again if the speed limit is lowered and more cameras are installed.
Proposed Speed Limit Changes
Mayor Johnson’s proposals include reducing the citywide speed limit, which has been shown in other cities to lead to substantial increases in ticket issuance. A study highlighted that one city experienced an 81% increase in speed camera tickets after lowering its limit. The potential impact on revenues is significant, with estimates suggesting that the city could generate an additional $16.4 million in tickets by the end of 2024.
Controversial Political Stance
During his campaign, Johnson labeled speed cameras as a “cash grab” and committed to phasing them out. However, facing a nearly $1 billion budget deficit for 2025, his administration has shifted towards leveraging speed cameras to balance the budget. This change raises questions about the consistency of his policy positions and the motivations behind the speed camera program.
Impact on Safety
The effectiveness of speed cameras in enhancing road safety remains contentious. A decade-long study indicated a 2% decrease in total crashes around speed camera sites, despite a 27% increase citywide. While speed-related crashes decreased by 16% near cameras, there is concern that drivers may alter their behavior in ways that increase risks outside monitored zones.
Notable Quotes & Data
- Johnson stated during his campaign, “Lowering the speed limit is a cash grab and has not proven effective in making our streets any safer.”
- The city has issued 10,318,536 tickets since speed cameras were introduced in 2013, averaging more than three tickets per Chicagoan.
Context & Implications
The ongoing discussion about speed cameras in Chicago highlights the tension between revenue generation and public safety. As city officials grapple with a significant budget shortfall, the reliance on speed cameras as a revenue source raises ethical questions about their true purpose. The potential shift to lower speed limits and increase camera presence could lead to a resurgence in ticket revenue but may also exacerbate public distrust in city governance. The implications of these changes will likely resonate with residents and influence future policy decisions as the city navigates its financial challenges.