Des Plaines eyes cameras to catch red-light violators

Des Plaines could become the latest suburb to post cameras to catch drivers running red lights.

Under a 2006 state law, communities can use the new technology to nab traffic scofflaws. Des Plaines aldermen on Monday night voiced support for the cameras, but they want more information before taking any action.

Police Chief James Prandini said he wants Des Plaines to beat Cook County officials in putting up the traffic cameras. "What we're trying to do is get the jump on them," Prandini said.

The cameras would help improve safety at dangerous intersections, including Touhy Avenue and Mount Prospect Road and Golf and River roads, he said.

Those caught by the cameras would get a $100 ticket, which is akin to a parking violation rather than a moving violation.

Des Plaines still would have to choose a camera vendor.

Mike Lebert, a former Elk Grove Village deputy police chief who now works as a sales consultant for a red-light camera vendor, spoke about the benefits of the cameras as a deterrent to drivers who run red lights.

Des Plaines would have to work out an agreement with a vendor over how to pay for the cameras, and distribute money from tickets.

There were some questions from aldermen regarding the implementation of a program and the costs.

Seventh Ward Alderman Don Smith questioned why the city wouldn't want the county to maintain such a system if it was intended to improve intersection safety, not make money.

Third Ward Alderman Laura Murphy agreed that city staffers should do a cost-benefit analysis of having the county post the cameras rather than the city.

Smith also cited a Daily Herald investigation that found tollway officials say their license plate image readers have trouble reading some plates.

"Is the same problem with these cameras?" Smith questioned.

Lebert said the red-light cameras rarely have such problems.

Mayor Tony Arredia asked whether the cameras could be put at intersections with stop signs, which would include the city's Cumberland Circle roundabout.

The state law allows cameras only at intersections with traffic lights, Lebert said.

Other suburbs have given the green light to these devices, including Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Rosemont.