HB1555 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB094 07628 DRH 37800 b

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2005 and 2006
HB1555

Introduced 2/10/2005, by Rep. John D'Amico

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

625 ILCS 5/11-605.3 new

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Establishes speed limits for park zones where children are present. Provides that (i) exceeding the posted speed limit while passing a park zone or in an area where children are going to or coming from a park zone or (ii) failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or signal, including a signal at which a right turn on red is permitted, in an area where a park zone speed limit applies, is a violation of the new provision. Provides that a violation of the new provision is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $250 for a first offense and $500 for a second or subsequent offense. Provides that the violator shall be charged an additional $50, to be paid to the park district for safety purposes.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning transportation.

WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly finds that laws protecting school-age children with legislation limiting speed limits near schools has successfully protected Illinois children for decades, and a considerable number of recreational facilities in Illinois often border or are in close proximity to educational facilities and do not have the same protections afforded to educational facilities; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly finds that ensuring Safe Streets near educational and recreational facilities is a goal requiring the full attention of this General Assembly and the full cooperation of the federal, State, and local units of government and their respective executive departments and agencies; therefore

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by adding Section 11-605.3 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/11-605.3 new)

Sec. 11-605.3. Special traffic protections while passing parks and recreation facilities and areas.

(a) As used in this Section:

(1) "Park district" means the following entities:

(A) any park district organized under The Park District Code;

(B) any park district organized under The Chicago Park District Act; and

(C) any municipality, county, forest preserve district, school district, township, or other unit of local government that operates a public recreation department or public recreation facilities that has recreation facilities that are not on land owned by any park district listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this subdivision (a)(1).

(2) "Park zone" means the recreation facilities and areas on any land owned or operated by a park district that is used for recreational purposes, or for access to those recreational areas, including but not limited to: parks; playgrounds; swimming pools; hiking trails; bicycle paths; picnic areas; roads and streets; and parking lots.

(3) "Safety purposes" means the costs associated with: park zone safety education; the purchase, installation, and maintenance of signs, roadway painting, and caution lights mounted on park zone signs; and any other expense associated with this Section.

(b) On any day when children are present and so close to motorized traffic that a potential hazard exists, a person may not drive a motor vehicle at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour (i) while passing a park zone or (ii) while traveling on a roadway on public property or upon any public thoroughfare where children are going to and from recreation facilities and areas located in a park zone.

(c) On any day when children are present and so close to motorized traffic that a potential hazard exists, failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or other traffic control device, including failure to come to a complete stop before a right turn otherwise permitted at a red light, is a violation of this Section.

(d) Nothing in this Chapter prohibits the use of electronic speed detecting devices within 500 feet of signs within a special park zone indicating that zone. Evidence obtained through use of those devices is admissible in any prosecution for speeding or failing to stop at a traffic control device or stop sign, if the device is used only for enforcement within the special park zone.

(e) This Section does not apply unless appropriate signs are posted upon streets and highways maintained by the Department or by the unit of local government in which the park zone is located. With regard to the special speed limit while passing park zones, the signs must give proper due warning that a park zone is being approached and must indicate the park zone and the maximum speed limit.

(f) A first violation of this Section is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $250. A second or subsequent violation of this Section is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $500.

(h) When a fine for a violation of subsection (a) is $250 or greater, the person who violates this Section shall be charged an additional $50, to be paid to the park district for safety purposes.