6/3/08-The Senate fell four votes shy of approving a bill to expand the use of cameras to ticket red-light runners at intersections.
Illinois law now allows local governments in eight counties to use the enforcement tool at traffic signals. HB5288 called for adding six more counties to the list needed 30 votes to pass the Senate. The tally was 26-24, effectively killing it for the year.
Violators would have faced up to a $100 fine. Anyone with five unpaid tickets on their record could have had their driving privileges suspended.
Counties, as well as local governments in those counties, would have been authorized to set up camera enforcement in DeKalb, LaSalle, McLean, Peoria, Sangamon and Winnebago.
A provision added to the bill on the Senate floor addressed concerns about the duration of yellow lights on intersections equipped with photo cameras. It required yellow signals to be displayed for at least three seconds.

5/23/08-The Senate Transportation Committee voted to approve a bill that would expand the use of cameras to ticket red-light runners at intersections in the state.
Illinois law now allows local governments in eight counties to use the enforcement tool at traffic signals.
Violators face up to a $100 fine. Anyone with five unpaid tickets on their record could have their driving privileges suspended.
Counties, as well as local governments in those counties, would be authorized to set up camera enforcement in DeKalb, LaSalle, McLean, Peoria, Sangamon and Winnebago. The committee removed Champaign and Vermilion counties from the list.
The enforcement tool already is allowed in the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Madison, McHenry, St. Clair and Will and in the cities within those counties. The city of Chicago also uses red light cameras.
HB5288 has moved to the Senate floor for further consideration. If approved there, it would head back to the House for approval of changes before moving to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s desk.
For bill status, call (217) 782-5799. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.

4/7/08-The House voted 65-39 to approve a bill that would expand the use of cameras to ticket red-light runners at intersections in the state. It now moves to the Senate.
Illinois law now allows local governments in eight counties to use the enforcement tool at traffic signals.
Sponsored by Rep. Chuck Jefferson, D-Rockford, HB5288 would add eight more counties to the list.
The cameras snap pictures of red-light runners’ or speeders’ vehicles and license plates. A ticket is mailed to the vehicles’ owners, regardless who was driving at the time.
Violators face up to a $100 fine. Anyone with five unpaid tickets on their record could have their driving privileges suspended.
Counties and local governments that would be authorized to set up camera enforcement are in Champaign, DeKalb, LaSalle, McLean, Peoria, Sangamon, Vermilion and Winnebago.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the Senate.
For bill status, call (217) 782-5799. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.