Chicago speed cameras reduce speeding 65 percent in less than two months

The Chicago Department of Transportation recently announced that its first nine speed cameras had done something remarkable: Reduced speeding at those locations by 65 percent in less than two months.

Warnings were issued the first 30 days, and then tickets. CDOT's analysis went through the first three weeks of ticketing, for 51 days in total.

For those who argue speed cameras won't work and are all about revenue — not safety — these results must be hard to swallow. Before the city council approved speed cameras, critics dismissed them with faulty logic and misrepresented research to make their case.

We're pleased with the results, but not surprised. Studies from other countries show speed cameras work, and it’s simply it’s a matter of common sense that they would reduce speeding. When you enforce traffic laws, people comply!

And let's not forget that people are injured badly and die at a much higher rate when speeds go up.
We want to see tickets issued to people who make our streets dangerous, whether they are on a bike, in a car or walking. Everyone needs to be safe and respectful, and traffic rules should be enforced consistently regardless of the travel mode.

But some have a double standard for cars and bikes. They say ticket those darn cyclists but not me and my 4,000 lb. car going too fast. Their argument doesn't fly, and neither will they as they drive streets increasingly patrolled by speed cameras.