Their sole purpose is to raise money for cities. Some cities are desperate,
Red-light cameras generated $69 million for Chicago in 2010, and speed cameras likely would grow that number considerably. Speeders going 6 mph 10 mph over the limit would face $50 fines. Those going 11 mph and over would face the full $100 ticket. Under the new law, zones where cameras could operate would cover nearly half the city, the Tribune found.
I live 20 minutes outside the Chicago city line (I lived in the city until about 25 years ago when I smartened up). I have been in Chicago only twice in the last year. In the last two years I got hit twice ($200) to the red light camera scam. Now I avoid ChiTown like the plague. We go to restaurants and movies in the 'burbs, as well as do all of our shopping out here. Chicago and its traffic cameras can go to you-know-where.