HR1061 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1061 LRB096 21718 GRL 39350 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In 2006, the State of Illinois enacted a law to allow the use of red light cameras at intersections; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly's intent when considering the law was ensuring greater public safety, reducing the number of motor vehicle collisions, and maintaining the safety of pedestrians in areas with heavy foot traffic, namely the City of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, The use of red light cameras has become increasingly common throughout Chicago, suburban Chicago, and the collar counties; fines that are issued based upon red light camera photographs are not regulated or capped; and

WHEREAS, The lack of standards regarding red light cameras and numerous testimonials from citizens have brought into question the effectiveness and accuracy of the cameras in serving their intended purpose of public safety, as some studies have shown an increase in rear-end collisions at intersections; proponents of the cameras maintain that it is impossible to quantify the number of accidents that have been prevented by the use of the cameras; and

WHEREAS, The City of Chicago maintains the opinion that the cameras are an important traffic enforcement tool that helps maintain the safety of pedestrians, as the City of Chicago supports heavier foot traffic than any other area of the State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge all counties and municipalities utilizing red light cameras to limit the use of the cameras unless a need for greater public safety is documented at the intersections and encourage all counties and municipalities using red light cameras to hold the original intent of the General Assembly in high regard, and not use the cameras as a way to increase revenue, by limiting fines to $50 and limiting fines issued for legal right turns on red lights.