Data Shows Chicago Speed Cameras Reduce Speeding, Crashes

Countering claims made by the Chicago Tribune that automated enforcement doesn’t improve safety, Streetsblog Chicago lays out the data showing how traffic safety fared in camera zones.

2 minute read

March 11, 2025, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of speed camera against blue sky.

MichaelVi / Adobe Stock

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?”

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in Streetsblog Chicago

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