Elgin to consider testing red-light cameras at 13 intersections

Thirteen intersections have been targeted for a study on whether Elgin should join the trend of installing cameras at intersections to monitor traffic -- and catch scofflaws.

The Elgin City Council Wednesday night will discuss a feasibility study with Redflex Traffic Systems, an Arizona-based firm.

The study, which will have no cost to the city right now, will target 13 intersections.

City officials say the 30-day study is a precursor to inking a deal with Redflex to monitor a citywide network of intersections.

"It gives us the ability to monitor those intersections 24 hours a day, seven days a week without having an officer sit there," said Elgin Deputy Police Chief Bob Beeter.

Beeter said the department has not projected how much revenue the red-light cameras would produce in fines.

But he acknowledged that "there's no reason to put something in if you're not getting the violations to sustain that system."

Beeter said the cameras are not about making money but rather about making roads safer and freeing up time for officers.

Beeter said studies show motorists take notice of cameras at intersections and adjust their driving accordingly.

"Our hope is to dramatically reduce the amount of traffic crashes at the intersections so it would free up our time for other things and obviously make those areas safer," Beeter said.

During the initial study, cameras will record violations, but no tickets will be issued.

Of the 13 intersections, none of them are along Randall Road. And noticeably absent from the list is the intersection of Route 20 and Shales Parkway, where a motorist was killed in September.

Beeter said the city eventually plans to expand the program, adding cameras to those areas, but needs approval from Kane County and the state.

According to Redflex's Web site, the company is the largest provider of red light and speed enforcement systems in North America. The company has contracts with more than 180 cities, including 17 in Illinois, including Chicago, St. Charles and Gurnee.

Meeting on red-light cameras

What: The city of Elgin Wednesday will consider a feasibility study in which red-light cameras will be placed at 13 intersections for a trial period.

Who: The city council will discuss the study at 6 p.m. Wednesday at city hall, 150 Dexter Court.

Where: The intersections are:

• Big Timber Road and McLean Boulevard

• Lillian Street and McLean

• McLean and Route 20 (eastbound)

• Chicago Street and Shales Parkway

• Bowes Road and McLean

• Liberty and Summit streets

• Liberty and Villa streets

• McLean and Larkin Avenue

• Kimball and State streets

• Dundee Avenue and Summit