Orland Park Plans Traffic Enforcement Measures

New Measures to Tackle Speeding

Orland Park village officials are considering new traffic enforcement methods to reduce speeding. Mayor Jim Dodge expressed the desire for compliance during the recent board meeting. The board had previously discussed noise and speed cameras to combat reckless driving. However, state law prevents municipalities outside Chicago from issuing citations based on such data. A potential solution is offered by DacraTech’s automated speed enforcement system, mentioned by Mayor Dodge.

Automated Speed Enforcement System

DacraTech’s pole-mounted cameras can identify vehicles, capture timestamps, and measure speeds. The village plans to position four cameras: two near Carl Sandburg High School and two near Orland District 135 schools on West 151st Street. The proposal includes issuing two warning notices before fining speeders $150 for a third offense and $300 for a fourth. Mayor Dodge stated that after a year of operation, adjustments might be made based on the effectiveness of the program.

Upcoming Decisions

The board will evaluate the proposal further on Oct. 5, where they might decide on purchasing and installing the camera systems, as stated by Village Manager George Koczwara. If approved, the plan commits $150,000 annually to DacraTech for the cameras and necessary staff to manage up to 1,500 warnings and citations. Koczwara emphasized that while cameras are straightforward, managing citations and collections is more intensive.

Addressing Teen Gatherings

During the board meeting, village officials also discussed modifying the village code to address emergency procedures and disruptive teen gatherings called “teen takeovers.” The proposed ordinance suggests fining parents if their children cause disturbances that jeopardize safety or disrupt services. Additionally, it grants the mayor and police chief authority to set a curfew during civil emergencies, including riots or large gatherings. However, further deliberation is necessary as board members questioned the extent of power assigned to the mayor’s office.

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