Residents unhappy about automated ticketing of Chicago motorists blocking bus lanes, bike lanes, crosswalks, loading zones using surveillance cameras on CTA buses, light poles
Chicago’s ambitious plan to enhance downtown safety through expanded video surveillance and automated ticketing, championed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, has hit a roadblock, delaying its implementation for nearly a year. The initiative, aimed at penalizing motorists obstructing bus lanes, bike lanes, crosswalks, and loading zones, was slated to utilize surveillance cameras on various city properties, including CTA buses and light poles. However, despite Chicago City Council approval, the rollout of the crackdown, known as “Smart Streets” and “Smart Loading Zones,” has been postponed until at least summer.
The downtown Chicago area, known for its high concentration of traffic congestion and pedestrian activity, remains without the proposed surveillance infrastructure, raising concerns among residents and officials alike. Despite the urgent need to address safety concerns, not a single ticket has been issued, and the installation of surveillance cameras is yet to commence.