Data Shows Chicago Speed Cameras Reduce Speeding, Crashes

Automated traffic enforcement cameras are not a steady, permanent source of revenue for cities — nor should they be, argues John Greenfield in Streetsblog Chicago.

Addressing claims that speed cameras are simply a cash grab for the city, Greenfield notes that “These installations shouldn't be expected to produce a steady stream of ticket money that never declines. Instead, the number of fines issued by a particular camera should get smaller, as more motorists realize that if they drive dangerously near them, they'll have to pay a price.”

In a perfect world, the cameras would eventually issue zero tickets, because motorists would learn not to speed by more than 5 mph in their presence.

To ensure speeding tickets don’t amount to a regressive tax, Greenfield writes that the city could reinstate its prior policy of discounting speeding tickets for low-income residents.

When it comes to safety, claims that cameras don’t help seem to be unfounded. A Chicago study found that “Between 2012-2013 and 2022-2023, while the total number of crashes rose by 28 percent citywide, it only increased by 2 percent near the speed cameras.” At the same time, injuries and fatalities fell by 11 percent near cameras. Bicycle and pedestrian collisions dropped by a dramatic 46 percent near cameras.

Ultimately, Greenfield asks, “Is it really such a virulent imposition on motorists to ask them not to drive at speeds that can easily kill other road users, or themselves?”