What to know about new parking enforcement
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Bus and bike lane. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Starting today drivers who illegally park in bus and bike lanes could get citations even if police are nowhere around.
How it works: Under a two-year pilot program, city employees will drive camera-equipped vehicles in the area bordered by Roosevelt Road and North Avenue and Ashland Avenue and the lake.
- The cameras will photograph vehicles parked or standing in bus or bike lanes (even for a few moments) and drivers will be sent citations through the mail.
Why it matters: The program could improve bus travel times and safety for cyclists who often have to ride around illegally parked vehicles.
Yes, but: Citations issued over the next month will just be warnings.
- Starting Dec. 5, first-time warnings will be followed by a fine for any subsequent violations — $90 for bus lane parking and $250 for bike lane parking.
What's next: The city is starting with eight enforcement vehicles, but in 2025, six cameras will be added to CTA buses and "in the near future," officials say, the program will enforce meter violations too.
- At the end of two years, the City Council will evaluate whether to continue or expand the program.