Mayor responds to red-light complaint

On Feb. 18, John Mitchell submitted a Letter to the Editor regarding a red-light camera violation he received while in Elk Grove Village. Unfortunately, Mr. Mitchell did not share accurate information regarding his violation.

As noted, Mr. Mitchell was found liable by the village’s hearing officer after he reviewed the evidence and watched the violation video. His decision to find him in violation was due to Mr. Mitchell failing to stop while proceeding through the intersection.

In his letter, he claims to have stopped for 1.7 seconds. In actuality, the red-light camera system measures how long the light was red prior to when the motorist approached the first roadway sensor. So in Mr. Mitchell’s case, the red light was displayed for 1.7 seconds as he approached the intersection.

Fortunately, the video does not lie as it shows his vehicle never stopped. This is exactly the type of reckless behavior we are trying to change with red-light cameras. A right turn on red requires a driver to come to a complete stop, even at 4:08 in the morning.

In regards to Mr. Mitchell’s “red-light money pit” reference, citations exist to change driver behavior. While some argue that red-light camera programs are solely in place to raise revenue, we have found that a properly managed red-light camera enforcement program can improve intersection safety and change driver behavior.

As long as motorists stop for a red light, come to a complete stop before making a right turn, or do not proceed through a red left turn arrow, motorists will not be ticketed for violating the law.

In closing, Elk Grove Village’s red-light camera program exists to enhance life safety for all who live in our community and travel our streets on a daily basis.

Mayor Craig B. Johnson

Elk Grove Village