Drivers risk more tickets as city drops speed limit with fines as high as $244

DRIVERS in a major city risk an uptrend in speeding tickets – after the speed limit drops to 25 mph.

Motorists in Chicago could even face paying up to $244 in penalties.

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According to the Illinois Policy, Mayor Brandon Johnson supports reducing the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph and adding more speed cameras to help cover a nearly $1 billion budget deficit.

The move is expected to lead to a significant increase in tickets being issued, as well as revenue.

Johnson’s recent support for new speed cameras and lower speed limits marks a shift from his campaign promises to eliminate them.

From January to September 2024, speed cameras issued some $54 million worth of fines, $28 million less than the previous year.

Despite this decrease, cameras still issued 1.18 million tickets, with most revenue coming from late fees.

These late fees can more than double the original fine, effectively turning a $35 fine into an $85 ticket or a $100 fine into a $244 ticket.

Previously, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot had reduced the speed camera threshold which saw the number of tickets issued increase significantly.

Remarkably, seven cameras in Chicago issued over $1 million each in fines, with the most profitable camera located in the West Pullman neighbourhood.

The Southeast Side had the highest number of tickets and revenue per camera, while the Southwest Side had the least.

Overall, Chicago’s speed cameras have generated $933 million since 2013.

Recent studies suggest that while speed cameras can reduce crashes around camera sites, they do not necessarily improve overall road safety.

Indeed, they are often seen as revenue generators rather than safety measures.

This comes as a festively decorated Ford Mustang was pulled over by cops last week.

The sports car was stopped by police in Cheyenne, Wyoming, last Monday covered in Christmas lights.

In a statement posted to their Facebook page, the Wyoming Highway Patrol also warned others of placing holiday decorations on their vehicles, as the practice is illegal.

Elsewhere, a much-loved car dealership is set to close for good in just a matter of weeks after some 25 years of business.

First opened in 1998, the outlet is ready to close its doors for the final time on New Year’s Eve – as the owner simply tells loyal customers: “I can’t do this forever.”

Bruce’s Lakeside Motors, located on Route 22, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, is closing on December 31.

The shop’s long-time owner, Bruce Pergament, said: “It’s a decision that’s come with a lot of soul searching and prayer.”