If there is one traffic situation that makes the blood of Chicagoans boil it is the presence of traffic cameras. These cameras are typically set up at intersections to catch those who run the lights and potentially increase the possibility of traffic accidents. Other cameras are speed cameras that can issue tickets for those violating speed limits. The high definition cameras record incidents and the information is sent to the vendor who checks to ensure that a violation actually did occur. It is then reviewed by a second vendor before it is sent to the Department of Revenue. Finally, a ticket is issued and mailed to the owner of the license plate. There are additional fees and penalties if the ticket is not paid or there is no action on the matter within a certain amount of time.
If a motorist receives a violation notice, they can go online to see the video footage of the violation. There are options to pay the violation online or to mail in the payment. If a motorist contests the ticket, they can do so in person and request an administrative hearing or send in their evidence by mail.
New cameras often allow for a grace period of thirty days, during which motorists will only receive a warning by mail. Each motorist is also entitled to one warning before a ticket will be issued for their license plate.
The city plans to place about 300 cameras near parks and schools. The city emphasizes that the reason is for safety with a focus on making sure that children can safely travel to those two areas. However, many Chicagoans are skeptical of that reason. Many believe children are simply being used as a cover to make money for the city. For instance, some cameras operate well into the evening, beyond the time many children are traveling from school. Others argue that speed bumps can achieve the same goal. There is also a legal issue holding up the process as an old opinion by the attorney general states that children must be present before a school zone speed limit can be enforced. This means that the cameras need to include a wider angle to capture the presence of children before it can issue such a ticket.
In 2014, Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel expects $70 million in revenue to come from the cameras.
There may be an upside to the cameras. If more cameras are installed then more accidents can potentially be filmed. This is great for personal injury actions because video evidence can be produced. Such evidence may reduce the time and cost of expensive litigation and may hasten settlement.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Do not rely on the above information as all cases are different and different laws apply to different cases. Consult an attorney in your area for further guidance. If you were injured in an accident involving a chiropractor please call one of our attorneys at David K. Kremin & Associates, and we will give you a free consultation. We never charge unless we collect for you. Please call 1(800) ASK-A-LAWYER or 1(800)275-2529.