The Alderman's Response as to Why She Voted for Speed Cameras and Fines for the 41st Ward

This is the Alderman's statement as to why she voted to place cameras and additional fines in the 41st Ward. 


  
Yesterday, after careful consideration and negotiation, I decided to vote in favor of Mayor Emanuel's plan to improve pedestrian and traffic safety in select locations throughout the City of Chicago.

More than 250 constituents took the time to share their opinions with me about this important issue, more than any other initiative that has come my way before the city council.

Those opposed to the ordinance expressed privacy concerns, issues related to the cost & maintenance of speed cameras, and the perception that this ordinance was solely about generating revenue for the city.

Supporters of the measure expressed concerns about the safety and security of their families as a result of reckless drivers and a principled belief that if you "can't afford the fine, don't do the crime."

In early March, I drafted a letter to constituents expressing my reservations about the ordinance in its original form. Specifically, I was concerned about the proliferation of these cameras along residential streets. I also noted my preference for additional signs, street markings, and speed humps. In the weeks that followed, I made it clear to both the Mayor's office and the Chicago Department of Transportation that a one-size-fits-all approach is one that I could not support.

The end result of those conversations was an assurance that the 41st Ward will receive the benefits of additional traffic control measures, even though the majority of cameras will be concentrated in areas of the city where they are needed the most. Here at home, I am confident that this ordinance represents an honest and balanced approach to making our communities a little bit safer.

The following is what the Children's Safety Zone Ordinance will mean for our ward:

In the 41st Ward, potential speed cameras will only be considered along dangerous arterial streets and intersections  (1/8 a mile of a school or park) where speed humps are not permissible. Most, if not all, our non-arterial residential streets will be unaffected by this ordinance.
Select "Safety Zones" in the ward will still benefit from improved street markings, signs and in some instances speed humps even though a speed camera will not be present.
If a speed camera location is proposed, it will be done so in close consultation with my office and based solely on need.

Many of you might be asking: "What locations in the ward would I consider dangerous for pedestrians?"

A good example would be streets where a large number of residents regularly express concerns to both my office and the 16th Police District. For instance:

Avondale Ave- (Along Norwood Park & Olympia Park). Many parents have expressed concerns about motorists speeding through this street. Especially during the summer season when children are playing baseball, using the playground and/or visiting the park's public pool.
Central Ave- (Along Edgebrook Elementary). Families in the area have been very concerned about drivers speeding through this busy intersection.
Talcott- (Odell & Oriole)- Parents, teachers and crossing guards from both Immaculate Conception and Resurrection High School often contact my office to share their frustration with dangerous drivers speeding near their school. The 16th District has also contacted our office about an alarming number of traffic accidents and the need to explore a wide range of traffic control measures.

Please understand that these locations only represent an example of areas in which I believe cameras could make the most sense. Absolutely no final determination has been made.

For more information about Public Awareness Campaigns, Warnings/Fines, Speed Limits & Hours of Enforcement, please click here.

In the end, this decision was not an easy one to make. My sole intention was to help structure a program that will  slowly help change a culture in which drivers find it acceptable to speed around our schools and parks.
 
If you have any additional questions about this ordinance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (773) 594-8341 or email at ward41@cityofchicago.org