Editorial: Reform, Don't Ban, Red Light Camera Programs

The Chicago Sun-Times responds to two Illinois state legislators who have recently proposed bills that would ban red light cameras statewide.

1 minute read

October 21, 2019, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Red Light Camera

monticello / Shutterstock

Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board writes in favor of reforming red light camera programs in Illinois, rather than ending them altogether:

Rather than a ban, the cameras should be limited to carefully chosen sites where they can provide clear-cut safety benefits. And no government official, company executive or sales rep should get a cut of the money every time a red-light camera is installed or issues a ticket. That’s an invitation to corruption.

The editorial board is responding to a movement in Illinois to ban red light cameras, currently manifesting as bills by two state legislators.

Planetizen has covered the general issue of red light cameras on numerous occasions in the past, and research precedent is available to inform an opinion on the subject:

Thursday, October 10, 2019 in Chicago Sun-Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City