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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, A study commissioned by the Chicago Tribune
3concerning the City of Chicago's red light camera program has
4concluded that the cameras do not reduce crashes that result in
5injury; and
 
6    WHEREAS, The study found that there was a 22% increase in
7rear-end collisions; and
 
8    WHEREAS, The study found that the 3-second yellow light
9times commonly used in Chicago are too short even for drivers
10observing the speed limit; the City continues to ignore a
11growing body of research suggesting that adding half a second
12to yellow light times would give drivers a better chance of
13stopping safely; such a change could bring down the number of
14rear-end crashes and red light violations; other cities and
15states that use red light cameras have chosen to err on the
16side of caution and safety and have lengthened yellow light
17times; and
 
18    WHEREAS, On several occasions, Chicago Mayor Rahm
19Emanuel's administration has used flawed statistics to defend
20the City's red light camera program, and the program has been
21besieged with reports concerning corruption and mismanagement;
22and
 

 

 

HR0027- 2 -LRB099 04046 MST 24064 r

1    WHEREAS, Chicago has the nation's largest red light camera
2system and the shortest legally allowable yellow light times, a
3unique and dangerous combination that makes rear-end crashes
4more likely throughout the city; continuing to utilize these
5cameras with such a short yellow light time knowingly and
6willingly puts the citizens of Chicago at risk; therefore, be
7it
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
9NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
10urge the City of Chicago to immediately dismantle all traffic
11cameras within its borders; and be it further
 
12    RESOLVED, That we urge all funds derived from said cameras
13to be deposited into a trust to aid in job training, education,
14and healthcare; and be it further
 
15    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
16presented to Mayor Emanuel and all members of the Chicago City
17Council.