UPDATE: Nagle Ave. increasing to 30 mph as speed camera installed

by BRIAN NADIG

Speed cameras recently were installed on Nagle Avenue near Rosedale Park and on Central Avenue near Edgebrook Park as part of the city’s efforts to address its budgetary woes.

For years the posted speed limit on Nagle near Peterson Avenue has been 25 mph but new speed camera warning signs state that the speed limit is 30 mph and that the speed cameras will be enforced from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Tickets will be issued for those traveling 36 mph or higher; if the speed limit had remained at 25 mph, tickets would have been issued to motorists traveling 31 mph or higher.

Alderman James Gardiner (45th) said that there apparently was never an ordinance passed lowering the speed limit along that stretch of Nagle from 30 mph, the default limit in Chicago, to 25 mph. As a result, Gardiner said, the 30 mph speed limit in that area is being reinstated.

“My office has submitted a request to increase the speed limit in this area to 30 mph to help prevent excessive penalties for drivers and maintain traffic flow,” Gardiner said in a letter to area homes.

“I understand the financial strain many residents are facing and do not want to see anyone burdened further,” Gardiner said, adding that the 25 mph speed limit there was rarely enforced given the shortage of police resources.

Warnings (no fines) are now being issued and enforcement starts June 30 for the new speed camera at 5941 N. Nagle Ave.

Gardiner said that he did not request the new cameras in his ward and that they were installed as part of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to raise about $11 million in revenue by installing 50 new speed cameras in the city to help balance the budget. Gardiner added that more than 50 new cameras eventually may be installed.

A camera also has been installed at 6614 N. Central Ave., and warnings have been issued since May 1, with citations starting June 15.

Those driving 6 to 10 mph over the speed limit will be fined $35 and those traveling 11 mph or more will be fined $100. The tickets are similar to a parking ticket and do not impact one’s driving record.

The Central camera will be enforced during normal park hours seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The speed limit on Central is 30 mph., except during in the roadway’s designated school zone, where the limit is 20 mph on school days when school-age children are present. Edgebrook School is next to the park.

Despite the school zone, the speed camera on Central is considered a “park” camera and its default legal speed limit has been set at 30 mph, according to the city Department of Transportation.

Motorists are still expected to follow to follow the Edgebrook school zone requirements when schoolchildren are present, but camera tickets will not be issued for those violations. Designated “school” cameras require extra layers of review before being issued, as school-age children must be seen in pictures captured between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on school days.

“The goal of this installation is to slow traffic and protect pedestrians — particularly those crossing to access Edgebrook park and school. If this effort helps prevent even one injury or fatality, it will have been a worthwhile investment in our community’s safety,” Gardiner said in a letter to residents.

Speed cameras were installed earlier in the year at 5432 N. Central Ave. near Farnsworth School in the 45th Ward and at 6824 W. Foster Ave. near Garvy School in the 41st Ward. Citations will be issued starting June 1 at those locations.

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