Community Forums

Roam America · 05-19-2005, 08:44 AM

Just got this from my motorcycle club. If it is true it is worth keeping in mind

Traveler's Warning -

Beginning July, Illinois will use speed cameras in areas designated "work zones" on major freeways.

Anyone caught by the devices will be mailed a $ 375 ticket for the first offense, but a second ticket will cost $ 1000 and comes with a 90-day license suspension. Drivers will also receive demerit points against their license, which allows insurance companies to raise their insurance rates. This represents the harshest penalty structure yet for a city using photo enforcement. Illinois will begin using photo radar in freeway work zones in July.

The state will begin with two camera vans issuing tickets in zones with speed limits lowered to 45 MPH. Photographs of both the driver's face and license plate are taken. Officials announced the plan on the Dan Ryan Expressway suggesting Chicago area roads are likely to be a target.

Illinois Tollway Executive Director Jack Hartman promised more work zones: "Since the Tollway just launched our $5.3 billion Congestion Relief Plan, drivers will see more work zones on the Tollway than they have in the past."

Roam America · 05-19-2005, 08:44 AM

Just got this from my motorcycle club. If it is true it is worth keeping in mind

Traveler's Warning -

Beginning July, Illinois will use speed cameras in areas designated "work zones" on major freeways.

Anyone caught by the devices will be mailed a $ 375 ticket for the first offense, but a second ticket will cost $ 1000 and comes with a 90-day license suspension. Drivers will also receive demerit points against their license, which allows insurance companies to raise their insurance rates. This represents the harshest penalty structure yet for a city using photo enforcement. Illinois will begin using photo radar in freeway work zones in July.

The state will begin with two camera vans issuing tickets in zones with speed limits lowered to 45 MPH. Photographs of both the driver's face and license plate are taken. Officials announced the plan on the Dan Ryan Expressway suggesting Chicago area roads are likely to be a target.

Illinois Tollway Executive Director Jack Hartman promised more work zones: "Since the Tollway just launched our $5.3 billion Congestion Relief Plan, drivers will see more work zones on the Tollway than they have in the past."

rhandley · 05-26-2005, 03:06 AM

Illinois, what a wonderful visitor conscious state! This past March, we traveled to some southeastern states for alittle R&R, and to escape the weather here in Wisconsin. Our route took us south from Milwaukee on I94, to I294 (Tollway) to I80, then south on I65. Needless to say, not only did it take half a tank full of deisel, but $27.00 in tolls! On the way back, we bypassed Chicago and took I35 to I43. That was one toll at $5 bucks at the state line, but We were insulted by the toll taker when I questioned the amount we were paying for tolls in Illinois. He said it was because of all the Wisconsin people using his roads....(I have Florida registration.) I will never again take that route, even if its shorter!

Cruzer · 05-26-2005, 04:09 AM

Last weekend we left Wisconsin and went through the tolls over to the Elkhart, Indiana rea. The Bus pulling a toad. Then we took the Indiana and Ohio turnpikes over to Dundee, MI (just the Bus, no toad) for a day trip, then returned back to Wisconsin. About $60 in tolls all together

It's funny how the IL tollguys claim it's from the WI drivers who use their roads. I didn't see that many WI plates down there but I always see IL plates up here in WI every weekend as they escape the big city. Maybe Wisconsin should put up a big toll gate at the border too.

It wouldn't be so bad to pay tolls for good roads but the Pothole Express (I-294/I-80) tollway around Chicago isn't exactly a work of art.

camper1b · 05-26-2005, 05:58 AM

Although I have great concern with the indiscriminate use of camera vans in general, I have absolutely NO problem with the use of them to catch speeders in work areas. Speeding through work areas is a BIG problem and we should all be mindful of those earning a living out on the roadways. Here in Binghamton, NY we just had 3 men lose their life last week when a bus, speeding through a work area, smashed into a cement truck and pushed it 100 feet into 3 workers. I think all three were young fathers.

I'll be the first to say I may not follow all speed limit signs while on trips, HOWEVER, that casual disregard does NOT apply during work zones. Slowing down to 45-50 MPH for a few minutes will not make a significant difference in when I arrive.

Thanks for listening.

rhandley · 05-26-2005, 08:27 AM

It's ironic that when you travel through Illinois, a vehicle with Illinois registration always seems to pass you like your standing still. Yet, you very seldom see speed enforcement. Maybe they should pay attention to enforcement to generate more money to fix the pot holes, dips and cracks so that Illinois drivers dont have to "fly" over them so they get a smooth ride.

I, too am a casusal minded driver, who every so often will speed. But usually, it's when following other traffic flows. Construction zones get my immediate attention and I obey.