Harper Introduces First Bill, Moves to Ban Red Light Cameras Statewide

CHICAGO, IL – In response to reports of the scandal-fraught red light camera system, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D- Chicago, filed her first piece of legislation this week after recently being sworn into office, in hopes of banning red light cameras from operating throughout the state of Illinois.

“While red-light cameras were first promoted as a safe and cost-effective way to reduce collisions at intersections, they have produced more revenues than results,” said Harper. “Hundreds of drivers have falsely been ticketed, and it makes anyone wonder if the lure of funds from fines that are too difficult to protest has become more important than community safety.”

Harper introduced House Bill 4353 to block all local governments from having automated law enforcement systems, commonly called “red-light cameras,” at intersections and schools zones to photograph vehicles to catch violations of a stop, yield, or speed requirement. This measure comes in response to numerous flaws in the systems, including reports of hundreds of tickets issued unfairly when violations were not occurring. Harper is opposing the red-light cameras in response to residents in her district who have raised concerns.

“Studies have shown the ways that red-light cameras increase traffic accidents, not decrease them or make our communities and roads safer,” said Harper. “I did not have a say in installing red-light cameras, and as a new representative, I will voice the concerns of neighbors in my district who want someone to speak out against this unfair and unproductive system. There are better ways to work together to keep families safe.”