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Proposal Would Ban Red Light Cameras In Some Cities

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Lawmakers are hoping to put an end to red light cameras in some places in Illinois.

A proposal in the Illinois legislature would ban red light cameras in non-home rule cities.

Opponents say red light cameras, which are designed to stop drivers from running red lights, actually cause more accidents from cars abruptly stopping.

Republican Rep. Steven Andersson is a local prosecutor. He says some people receive tickets even though they weren't the one driving the car.

"This is fundamentally an unfair, unfair law. It's been an experiment, it's been a limited experiment, and it has failed," Andersson said.

Some opponents to red light cameras say it is just a way for cities to make money from tickets.

Rep. David Harris, a Republican from Arlington Heights, says safety is more important than money.

"Sure, there is a revenue element to this bill, there's no question about it," Harris said. "There's a revenue element to this bill, but there is also a safety element to this bill."

Proponents of red light cameras say the technology helps officers monitor traffic lights and only tickets drivers breaking the law. The ban passed the House and now goes to the Senate.

Lisa Ryan is a graduate student in the public affairs reporting program at the University of Illinois at Springfield. She previously worked at Indiana Public Radio and the college radio station founded by David Letterman. She is a 2014 broadcast journalism and political science graduate of Ball State University.
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