A press release from State Rep. David McSweeney:
Committee Passes McSweeney Bill Banning Red Light Cameras
Fox River Grove has a red light camera endangered by a David McSweeney bill.
Springfield, IL… State Representative David McSweeney’s (R-Barrington Hills) bill banning red light cameras will advance to the House Floor after the House Cities and Villages Committee approved the measure yesterday by a vote of 4-3.
House Bill 173 would remove the authority of non-home-rule municipalities to operate red light cameras after January 1, 2017.
“Studies continue to confirm that red light cameras do not enhance safety,” Rep. McSweeney said.
State Rep. David McSweeney told Algonquin Township Republicans about his red light camera bill Saturday night at Galati’s Hideaway in Cary.
“In many cases, these cameras create unsafe conditions because drivers will slam on the brakes at a yellow light to avoid getting a ticket.
“Many Illinois residents rightly perceive these cameras as more bout increasing revenue for local governments than actually keeping motorists safe.”
The bill is a response to investigations into the implementation and effectiveness of red light cameras.
The implementation of such systems has been rife with abuse and is seen by many as more of a money making endeavor for local governments than a measure to promote safety.
“It’s become clear that these systems are ineffective, the benefits minimal, and the negative consequences on citizens unwarranted” stated McSweeney.
“My legislation takes a significant step forward in dramatically reducing red light cameras in Illinois.”
Currently the Illinois Vehicle Code provides the authority to use red light automated traffic law enforcement systems at intersections in which cameras are used to photograph or video record a motor vehicle’s failure to stop and yield as required by traffic control signals. Eight counties in Illinois currently have that authority. The bill would take effect January 1, 2017.
I know first hand that these lights are phoney and nothing but revenue generators.
I was caught by one in Chicago and I know for absolute certain I did not enter the intersection on a yellow or red..
Between that and the parking meters on even residential blocks I try and avoid going anywhere in Chicago unless its specific like the lake front or Greektown.
Great job David!
Keep up the good work.
There was a great deal of talk and some research into whether red light camera’s diminish or destroy trade in the zones they are prevalent.
This argument was especially looked at in Gurnee where rear end collisions went up dramatically and store owners were complaining of diminishing returns as more and more cameras went up.
Perhaps Mark is aware of these.
Perhaps Dan Duffy, who is not a big fan of these lights, has this research at his fingertips.
The job of government is to create the security to live free from fear and offer the ability of trade to operate without onerous hinderance or interference.
When government is the destroyer of security and the cause of the inability of merchants to conduct free trade then government needs a lesson in civics.
Until folks come out in greater numbers than 12% to vote the government and her denizens will never get this lesson. We have much work to do but McSweeney is doing his part.
Yes, he is.
He is one of the greatest advocates for the people of Illinois.
His job is about serving the people, not serving the people in government.
We the people, should can continue an open dialogue with David McSweeney, as we have his ear.
Though, Priest, says it best.
Why limit the bill just to non home rule communities?
So it has a chance of passage, I would guess.