Chicago City Wire

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's pledge to remove automated speed cameras fell short as drivers were hit with $102 million in fees during 2023, a new analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute revealed. The substantial revenue, with over half coming from late fees, highlights the ongoing financial impact of these cameras on residents.

Bryce Hill, the director of fiscal and economic research for the Illinois Policy Institute, expressed concerns about the city's reliance on these cameras, stating, "Chicago’s cameras have turned out to be a huge cash cow for the city...Unfortunately, these types of automated ticketing systems disproportionately harm those who can least afford it."

The analysis also pointed out that despite campaign promises, Mayor Johnson's 2024 budget anticipates issuing $348 million in fines and fees from various traffic violations, indicating a significant increase from the previous year. Hill criticized the decision to lower the ticketing threshold, describing it as a "cheap money grab" that has little impact on public safety and places a heavier financial burden on low-income communities.

Since the introduction of speed cameras in 2014, Chicago has collected a staggering $879 million in fines through over 9 million tickets. The high volume of tickets issued, especially after the ticketing threshold was lowered, has raised concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the camera system.

In addition to the financial implications for residents, data revealed that Mayor Johnson's motorcade also accumulated traffic citations, further highlighting the widespread impact of the city's automated enforcement measures.

The continued reliance on speed cameras for revenue generation in Chicago, despite promises of removal, underscores the complex relationship between automated enforcement, city finances, and community impact.

For more information on Chicago’s speed cameras, visit illin.is/speedcam2023.