ITASCA, IL – While the economy begins to make a very slow recovery, units of local government, specifically municipalities, are turning to new mechanisms to generate additional revenues.  One such mechanism is red light cameras. State Senator Carole Pankau (R-Itasca) has plans to introduce legislation to the Illinois Senate to limit to the ticketing of legal right-hand turns.

“I am working on legislation to prohibit municipalities from issuing tickets to those vehicles that make right hand turns on red; if the city doesn’t want people to turn right on red, they can put a sign up, too many people are struggling to put food on the table, we do not need our governments trying to squeeze them for another $100,” explained Senator Pankau.

When Red Light Cameras were initially allowed under legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly, they were billed as a safety tool, to help communities reduce accidents at dangerous intersections.  Since more and more municipalities have adapted these cameras, there is a clear pattern of use that deviates from the initial safety goal. 

“Now that these cameras have been in use for several years, I think it is important to revisit the authorizing legislation,” said Senator Pankau.

Senator Pankau will be introducing legislation in the Illinois State Senate to address the right turn on red issue, as it pertains to Red Light cameras.

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