Chicago City Council is due to vote on Wednesday on plans to expand the city’s Smart Streets camera enforcement programme, which could see drivers fined for blocking traffic lanes, parking meters, bus stops and dedicated cycle lanes.
The proposed scheme would use cameras fitted to street poles, city vehicles and Chicago Transit Authority buses to record offences and issue tickets by post. A double-parking ticket could cost $90, while blocking a dedicated cycle lane could result in a $250 fine.
The enforcement would initially remain focused on selected corridors before spreading into more neighbourhoods. The programme is scheduled to reach Foster Avenue, California Avenue and Pershing Road in January, with a further expansion towards Devon Avenue, Pulaski Road and 51st Street planned for July.
Officials have said the system could eventually operate across Chicago, including more than 300 miles of cycle lanes, by 2028.
The Smart Streets pilot began in November 2024 and is currently limited to a small number of camera-equipped Department of Finance vehicles and CTA buses. The CTA is expected to increase its fleet of camera buses to 52 in the coming weeks, with the ordinance allowing up to 100 buses to take part.
The city’s Department of Finance is also expected to increase the number of camera-equipped vehicles from eight to 26 if the expansion is approved.
Supporters say automated enforcement will make roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians, while helping buses move more reliably through congested areas. Alders have also argued that the system is intended to change driving behaviour rather than simply raise revenue.
Chicago has issued nearly 17,000 citations under the existing programme and collected more than $2.5 million in fines, according to figures presented ahead of the vote. Delivery vehicles operated by Amazon, FedEx and UPS accounted for almost $500,000 of that total.
Daniel La Spata, chairman of the council’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, said the pilot had shown signs of deterring repeat offences. He said 82% of drivers who received a warning did not go on to receive a ticket, while most motorists who were ticketed did not receive a second one.
The expansion measure was approved by the committee last week and will now go before the full council. Wednesday’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 10am at Chicago City Hall.
