Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-IL) is calling for an investigation into the fairness of Chicago’s red-light camera system, citing data showing a higher number of tickets issued in the South Side’s predominantly Black neighborhoods. Ford argues that the cameras are biased and unfairly target Black drivers. However, experts argue that the data is being misinterpreted, and that the cameras simply catch more violations in high-traffic areas, regardless of race.
The Illinois Policy Institute’s data reveals that red-light cameras in the South Side issued an average of 9,132 tickets, totaling $61.4 million, compared to 5,521 tickets from the North Side. Ford’s concern that this data indicates racial bias ignores the fact that red-light cameras are not designed to target specific races. These cameras objectively capture violations without regard to who is driving.
The higher number of tickets on the South Side can likely be attributed to traffic patterns, not race. The South Side is home to more congested areas and complex intersections, which can lead to more violations. The cameras are simply recording these violations in real time, and they are not capable of identifying drivers by race.
Ford’s concerns about the financial burden of red-light tickets on low-income families are valid, but they should not be framed as an issue of racial discrimination. Drivers in all communities, regardless of race, can struggle with the consequences of multiple fines, especially when they face the possibility of having their cars booted or towed.
Rather than focusing on race, the debate over red-light cameras should center on their effectiveness and fairness. Are they improving traffic safety, or are they simply generating revenue for the city? This is the question that should be asked as Chicago continues to generate millions in ticket revenue from the cameras.
Chicago has earned $915 million from red-light tickets since 2008. While the financial impact on residents is an important issue, accusations of racism are not supported by the data. The cameras are not targeting specific groups; they are simply capturing traffic violations as they occur.
