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Chicago Red Light Camera Enforcement

Best practices and a road map to the future

Red Light Camera

Chicago Red Light Camera Enforcement: Best Practices & Program Road Map

FOR: Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)
RELEASED: March 17, 2017
BY: Northwestern University Transportation Center
AUTHORS: Hani S. Mahmassani, Joseph L. Schofer, Breton L. Johnson, Omer Verbas, Amr Elfar, Archak Mittal, Marija Ostojic

The City of Chicago has one of the longest-running and largest red light camera (RLC) enforcement systems in the country. While numerous studies have shown that camera enforcement is an effective deterrent to reckless driving and its use improves overall roadway safety, support for its application in various cities has not been uniform. Specifically, its application in Chicago has continued to generate public debate. This study performed an assessment of Chicago’s RLC program in terms of its impact on traffic safety, leading to a set of best practices in RLC enforcement, and recommendations for further improvement to the Chicago program. The aim was to provide guidance for continued RLC operation at individual camera locations, as well as for selection of locations for future implementation. By investigating available historical data and conducting statistical analyses, performance metrics and a set of guidelines were proposed to ensure the program is being implemented to the best benefit of the general public and of the City. The outcome of this study is Chicago Red Light Camera Enforcement: Best Practices and Program Road Map.

Read Chicago Red Light Camera Enforcement: Best Practices and Program Road Map


Media Coverage

Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago triples ‘grace period’ for red-light cameras 

Chicago Sun-Times: Red-light changes nowhere near enough, alderman says

Chicago Sun-Times: Top mayoral aide calls traffic crashes a ‘public health crisis’

Daily Herald: Chicago triples the 'grace period' for running red lights 

CBS Local Chicago: Chicago triples 'grace period' for red-light cameras 

Fox 32: Chicago triples 'grace period' for red-light cameras

Chicago Tribune: Drivers in Chicago would get a break under new red light camera rule, city says

DNAinfo Chicago: Red Light Rules Change As City Relaxes Time Allowed To Run A Light

DNAinfo Chicago: Here's Where Red-Light Cameras Are Being Installed, Removed 

NBC Chicago: Red Light Cameras to Come Down, Go Up Across Chicago

ABC 7 Chicago: Study: Red light cameras make Chicago streets safer; some may be relocated

WLS-AM 890: Chicago triples ‘grace period’ for red-light cameras 

WGN 9 Chicago: New red light camera rule could give Chicago drivers a break

Chicagoist: Chicago Drivers Are Getting A Bit More Leeway On Running Red Lights 

WGN 9 Chicago: City to changes some red light camera placement, policy

The Daily Northwestern: Chicago changes red light camera program following Northwestern study

Nadig Newspapers: Details released on cameras 

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