Orland Park officials are exploring new traffic enforcement technologies to curb speeding. During a board meeting, Mayor Jim Dodge emphasized the focus on achieving compliance through technology.
Previously, the board considered speed and noise cameras for reducing reckless driving, but faced challenges due to state law limitations outside Chicago. DacraTech, a company based in Itasca, offers an automated speed enforcement system that could provide a solution, as stated by Dodge. This system complies with the village’s nuisance ordinance for issuing fines.
The proposed system involves cameras mounted on poles that record vehicle identification, timestamps, and speed, as per DacraTech’s website. Orland Park plans to install four cameras: two near Carl Sandburg High School and two near Orland District 135 schools on West 151st Street.
The board agreed to send two warning notices to vehicle owners before enforcing fines. A $150 fine applies for a third offense and $300 for a fourth. Mayor Dodge expressed hope that warnings would deter speeding, mentioning the need for reevaluation after a year to assess the program’s effectiveness.
The board will revisit the proposal and make a decision on installing the cameras in the next meeting on October 5, informed Village Manager George Koczwara. The proposed plan includes an annual payment of $150,000 to DacraTech for the camera system, covering up to 1,500 warnings and citations.
Koczwara noted that while the technology is straightforward, handling citations and other administrative tasks will be more labor-intensive. Mayor Dodge highlighted the potential of technology in alerting parents about teenagers’ speeding habits.
Updates on Emergency Procedures
The Orland Park Village Board also discussed amending village codes to address emergencies and control disruptive events known as “teen takeovers.” The focus is on fining responsible guardians when minors engage in activities that threaten safety, damage property, or overwhelm services.
The ordinance proposes empowering the mayor and police chief to impose curfews during civil emergencies, such as riots, unlawful gatherings, or natural disasters causing injuries or property damage. However, some board members expressed concerns over the extent of power this grants the mayor, prompting further deliberation.
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