IRE Radio Podcast | Chicago’s Secret Cash Machine

Chicago drivers have forked over more than $600 million for traffic fines captured by red light cameras. But an investigation by the Chicago Tribune found that the largest robotic camera system in the country ­hasn’t done much to make the streets safer. Instead, city officials have used Chicago drivers like a network of cash machines. Reporter David Kidwell takes us behind the story.

As always, you can find us on Soundcloud, iTunes and Stitcher. If you have a story you think we should feature on the show, drop us a note at web@ire.org. We’d love to hear from you.

EPISODE NOTES

Looking for links to the stories, resources and events we discussed on this week's podcast? We've collected them for you.

• Browse the Chicago Tribune’s extensive collection of stories, graphics and more on the city’s red light camera program.
• Check out a timeline of the Tribune’s investigation.
• Read about the conviction of John Bills, a former Chicago city official who played a crucial role in the development and oversight of the red-light camera program.
• Read about the Tribune’s red light camera safety study.
• Read the transcript of David Kidwell’s interview with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

CREDITS

Aaron Pellish reported and produced this episode. Daniela Vidal is our host. IRE Web Editor Sarah Hutchins edits the podcast. We are recorded in the studios of KBIA at the University of Missouri.

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