Speed cameras begin issuing tickets near Mulberry, Keystone parks

Automated Speed Enforcement cameras in two Children’s Safety Zones will begin issuing tickets to speeding drivers starting Wednesday.

The cameras are near Mulberry Park at 3200 S. Archer Ave and 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.

Beginning Wednesday, drivers who are caught on camera going more than 10 miles over the speed limit will be given a speeding ticket, according to CDOT. Fines are $35 for vehicles going 6-10 miles over the speed limit per city ordinance, but for now tickets will only be issued to drivers going more than 10 miles over the speed limit.

The cameras were activated last month and have only issued warnings as part of the city’s policy to issue warnings for the first 30 days after a speed camera is activated, according to CDOT. After that period, a driver caught speeding on camera will receive a warning the first time it happens and will be issued a ticket for subsequent violations.

The cameras will be on between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. while the parks are open, according to CDOT. The hours of camera enforcement in Children’s Safety Zones, which are within 1/8th of a mile from parks or schools, are limited to the hours of the park.

For Children’s Safety Zones near schools, hours are limited to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to CDOT. The speed limit in those areas is always 20 miles per hour between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. when children are present, but drivers may follow the posted speed limit when no children are present and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The city has installed speed cameras in Children’s Safety Zones across Chicago to try to make roads safer by reducing speeding, according to CDOT. Revenue from this program will be invested in safety initiatives and youth programs such as early childhood education, after school programs and summer jobs programs for teens.

There are currently no plans to expand the Automated Speed Enforcement program, according to CDOT.