Villa Leads Fight to Ban Red Light Cameras

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To put an end to corruption and stop local governments from using red light cameras for traffic enforcement, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is sponsoring a new measure to ban red light cameras.

“While red light cameras have been marketed as a means of ensuring public safety, there is no evidence to support the idea that they make our roads safer,” said Villa. “However, there is a clear track record of corruption and unethical behavior stemming from the red light camera industry in Illinois, so this imperfect system should not be used to take money from the pockets of local families that are already struggle to make ends meet.”

Villa is part of a wide coalition of bipartisan legislators backing House Bill 322 to prohibit non-home rule towns from utilizing red light cameras as traffic enforcement systems. Villa’s measure recently passed out of the House Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee with overwhelming support.

“I will continue working to root out corruption in government. Illinois residents rely upon state and local government for many important services and resources, so they deserve a government they can put their faith in,” continued Villa. “I will continue working to build a stronger Illinois that promotes public safety while also holding bad actors accountable and helping Illinoisans keep more of their hard-earned dollars.”