Yingling Serves as a Leading Voice in Effort to Ban Use of Red Light Cameras

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Given continuous scandals involving the misuse of red light cameras and possible corruption allegations, state Rep. Sam Yingling, G-Grayslake, is supporting legislation that would prohibit local units of government from using them.

“Red light cameras have long been perceived as nothing more than an easy revenue stream for fiscally irresponsible cities and towns to balance their books,” Yingling said. “This legislation will bring about much-needed accountability to local government, ensuring revenue shortfalls aren’t made up on the backs of families and seniors.”

Yingling is one of the lead sponsors of House Bill 322, which would prohibit non-home rule units of local government within Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Madison, McHenry, St. Clair, and Will Counties from using automated traffic law enforcement systems, otherwise known as red light cameras. Yingling’s initiative has gained momentum after a federal probe revealed a potential pay-to-play scheme between red-light contractor SafeSpeed and a former state lawmaker.

“Prohibiting the use of red light cameras is long overdue and the possible corruption allegations that have come to light recently are the nail in the coffin,” Yingling said. “Illinois needs comprehensive government and ethics reforms and this legislation is the first of many bipartisan steps we must take in order to reassure taxpayers that will not accept the status quo.”