Story posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Red Light Cams Coming
Chances are that the first Red Light cameras won't be installed in Des Plaines until after the first of the year.
That's the estimation of Police Chief Jim Prandini who said a lengthy study on the topic is nearing completion.
City Council members earlier this year approved establishing two intersections in Des Plaines where the Red Light cameras will be installed. The study will determine the most desirable intersections. It's believed that one of those intersections is at Higgins and Mt. Prospect roads near an entrance to O'Hare Airport.
Red Light cameras have been springing up all over the region in the last two years. The program calls for high technology cameras to be installed at specific intersections identified by the host community. A photo of a vehicle that fails to make an appropriate stop when turning right is snapped. That photo of the vehicle's license plate is mailed to the owner who is subjected to a $100 fine unless a local court determines that the fine is waived or infraction unfounded. In Rosemont for example, Red Light cameras at about five intersections have been set up bringing in as much as $750,000 annually to village coffers. The two cameras that will be installed in Des Plaines early next year will be the first in Des Plaines.
Prandini said Red Speed Illinois, the company the city hired to conduct the study and install and administer the local Red Light program, is reviewing local accident reports and state records to prepare a recommendation to the city on what intersections should be chosen. One of the most time-consuming parts of the review is securing a permit from the Illinois Dept. of Transportation, said Prandini. Once Prandini receives a recommendation from Red Speed, he will forward it to Mayor Marty Moylan and City Manager Jason Bajor for their input and approval.
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