(The following story appeared on the Bloomington Pantagraph website on May 19, 2009.)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois House approved legislation Tuesday that would let communities and the Illinois Commerce Commission post cameras at some railroad crossings in order to catch scofflaws.
People who drive around the gates of a railroad crossing and are caught on camera would face a $500 fine.
The vote was 82-34 to approve the measure. Supporters argued the cameras would help make the crossings safer. But opponents said the cameras’ technology is prone to mistakes.
The Senate had already approved the legislation, so Gov. Pat Quinn will now get the final say.
The legislation is Senate Bill 148.