For Illinois Tollway Drivers....

...ok, I'm just curious - we all heard the threats on the news/in the newspapers/in email forwards - in the new road construction zones on I-294, I-90, etc., if a person is caught driving OVER 45 MPH, the magic cameras will catch him/her and he/she will be the recipient of a $375 fine the first time, a $1000 fine the second time and possibly jail time the third time!! Supposedly, if one is caught going ONE MILE OVER 45, he or she will receive a ticket - NO EXCEPTIONS!! A big freakin' deal has been made out of this.

Now, let me tell you, I have been on said interstates multiple times since when this law went into effect (July 1, I believe). I have TRIED to slow down to 45. However, I have noticed that when I do, ALL OF THE CARS around me are passing me like I'm sitting still. In fact, I haven't really even been able to get it all the way down to 45. However, I can tell you that every car around me was going MUCH MUCH faster, so I can't imagine my having been singled out for a ticket under these circumstances.

Anyhow. Is this being as strictly enforced as they once threatened? If yes, I imagine the state of Illinois is making a FORTUNE off this. If not, why the empty threat? I mean, I get it, but why was such a big deal made out of this moreso than anything else? Has anyone been on the receiving end of one of these supposed brutal tickets? How long will these 45-zones be going on for? Please do share.