HR1061 LRB096 21718 GRL 39350 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, In 2006, the State of Illinois enacted a law to
3 allow the use of red light cameras at intersections; and
 
4     WHEREAS, The General Assembly's intent when considering
5 the law was ensuring greater public safety, reducing the number
6 of motor vehicle collisions, and maintaining the safety of
7 pedestrians in areas with heavy foot traffic, namely the City
8 of Chicago; and
 
9     WHEREAS, The use of red light cameras has become
10 increasingly common throughout Chicago, suburban Chicago, and
11 the collar counties; fines that are issued based upon red light
12 camera photographs are not regulated or capped; and
 
13     WHEREAS, The lack of standards regarding red light cameras
14 and numerous testimonials from citizens have brought into
15 question the effectiveness and accuracy of the cameras in
16 serving their intended purpose of public safety, as some
17 studies have shown an increase in rear-end collisions at
18 intersections; proponents of the cameras maintain that it is
19 impossible to quantify the number of accidents that have been
20 prevented by the use of the cameras; and
 
21     WHEREAS, The City of Chicago maintains the opinion that the

 

 

HR1061 - 2 - LRB096 21718 GRL 39350 r

1 cameras are an important traffic enforcement tool that helps
2 maintain the safety of pedestrians, as the City of Chicago
3 supports heavier foot traffic than any other area of the State;
4 therefore, be it
 
5     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
6 NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
7 urge all counties and municipalities utilizing red light
8 cameras to limit the use of the cameras unless a need for
9 greater public safety is documented at the intersections and
10 encourage all counties and municipalities using red light
11 cameras to hold the original intent of the General Assembly in
12 high regard, and not use the cameras as a way to increase
13 revenue, by limiting fines to $50 and limiting fines issued for
14 legal right turns on red lights.