New speed cameras to be activated near area parks Monday

(The Expired Meter)

CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) - Two Automated Speed Enforcement cameras in Children’s Safety Zones will be activated Monday as part of the city’s effort to increase public safety by reducing speeding.

The cameras are near Mulberry Park at 3200 S. Archer Avenue and near Keystone Park at 1754 N. Pulaski Road, 4053 W. North Ave. and 4042 W. North Ave., according to a statement from the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Only warnings are issued for the first 30 days after cameras are activated. Per city ordinance, fines for violations are $35 for vehicles traveling six to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, according to the statement.

The city is currently only issuing tickets to drivers going 10 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit.

The Children’s Safety Zones are designated within one eighth of a mile from parks and schools. Camera enforcement hours within school areas are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the statement.

In the school safety zones, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. drivers must drive 20 miles per hour when children are present and the posted speed limit when no children are present. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., drivers must adhere to the posted speed limit, according to the statement.

The enforcement hours around parks are limited to only those hours parks are open, which is typically from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, according to the statement.

Automated Speed Enforcement cameras have been installed in an effort to increase safety and reduce speeding. Revenue generated by the program will be invested in critical safety initiatives and youth programs such as early childhood education, after-school programs and summer jobs programs, according to the statement.

Data shows hat activated ASE cameras are making Chicago communities safer with a 53 percent drop in speeding violations within 90 days after cameras are turned on and 81 percent of violators not being cited a second time, according to the statement.