State Comptroller: ‘red light cameras are pretty much a scam’

Posted on January 7, 2020

Mendoza says it appears the system is rigged (PHOTO:WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD– Count Illinois’ “checkwriter-in-chief” among those who are displeased with the practice of cameras at red lights generating tickets. Comptroller Susana Mendoza says it appears the system is rigged.

“We have read with interest the many stories about the companies, the federal investigations, the local official who told the Chicago Sun-Times that he gets a cut of every fine paid on a red light camera ticket issued by a town where he set up the contract with a red light camera company he worked for as a consultant,” Mendoza said.

“It stinks, and it’s rotten.”

Mendoza Monday said her office will stop helping cities chase down fines, adding the system seems to target poor people and people of color. A study shows a handful of majority black neighborhoods account for forty percent of the debt but only 22 percent of the tickets.

 

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