Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras to Issue Tickets in Children's Safety Zone near Prosser Career Academy

January 23, 2014

New Cameras to Issue Warnings Near Union, Schaefer and Rosenblum Parks

Speeding tickets will begin to be issued on Saturday from Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras in the Children’s Safety Zone near Prosser Career Academy High School on the Northwest Side.

The cameras are located at 5509 W. Fullerton Ave., 5446 W. Fullerton Ave. and 5440 W. Grand Ave. Tickets issued from these cameras are scheduled to begin on the morning of Saturday, January 25.

Also on January 25, newly installed ASE cameras near Union Park at 125 N. Ogden Ave., Schaefer Park at 2427 N. Clybourn Ave., and Rosenblum Park at 7436 S. Jeffery Blvd. will begin to issue warnings to motorists. Tickets will be issued from these cameras on March 7.

The City will start enforcement by only issuing tickets for speeders going 10 or more miles per hour over the posted speed limit. That ticket threshold will gradually be lowered going forward.

Fines for violations are $35 for vehicles travelling 6-10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit while in a safety zone, and $100 for vehicles travelling 11 or more miles over the posted speed limit.

The City plans to equip Children’s Safety Zones around parks and schools with ASE cameras in an effort to increase safety and reduce speeding.

Any revenue generated by the program is to be invested in critical safety initiatives including after-school, anti-violence and jobs programs; crossing guards and police officers around schools; and infrastructure improvements, such as additional signs, crosswalk markings and other traffic safety improvements.

The Children’s Safety Zones are designated within 1/8th of a mile from Chicago parks or schools. The City ordinance establishing the program narrows the hours and locations of enforcement that are allowed under state law, and provides for the following:

• The enforcement hours will be limited from 7 am to 7 pm in safety zones around schools on school days (Monday through Friday); 7 am to 4 pm: 20 mph speed limit when children are present; 30 mph speed limit when no children are present 4 pm to 7 pm: 30 mph speed limit

• The enforcement hours around parks will be limited to only those hours parks are open (typically 6am to 11pm, 7 days a week) with a 30 mph speed limit.

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