Lake Zurich moves forward with red lightcameras

Red light cameras may be coming this fall to three prominent Route 12 intersections in Lake Zurich.

It is the latest community to yield to a growing regional push to nab motorists who run red lights, in hopes of reducing accidents and generating new revenue.

Lake Zurich village officials have given the go-ahead to further research the idea.

The program likely won't be approved by the village board until this summer. It will take even more time to obtain Illinois Department of Transportation permits and iron out a contract with a vendor, Police Chief William Urry said.

The village must adopt an ordinance for the red light camera program. Citations would not go on motorists' driving records.

Police have recommended three Route 12 intersections -- at Miller Road, Route 22, and June Terrace -- where the cameras should be placed.

"This is where our serious violations occur," Urry said.

Those intersections are known for their high crash rates, particularly the Miller Road junction where the village's only fatal crash in seven years occurred Aug. 1, 2006, involving a van that ran a red light.

According to the Federal Highway Administration's 2007 crash data, there were 25 accidents at Miller Road, 49 crashes at Route 22, and 20 crashes at June Terrace. A large percentage of those crashes involved red light violations.

Nationally, the agency lists red light violations third behind impaired driving and excessive speed violations in accidents. Red light violations cause more than 100,000 accidents and 1,000 fatalities yearly.

A study conducted by one vendor at the Lake Zurich intersections found 20 red light violations at Miller Road, 41 violations at Route 22, and 28 violations at June Terrace during a 24-hour period in January.

"It really is part of public safety," Urry said. "At least 27 percent of our accidents are related to red light violations. Yes, we are providing an officer and trying to do the enforcement, but we're still not getting it done and we could use these cameras and the deterrent value of it."

Village officials are still studying how the program would work, its costs and revenue potential.

Officials estimate it would cost roughly $185,000 the first year to upgrade a single intersection, install the recording equipment, and pay for a hearing officer, prosecuting attorney and personnel to handle violations. There is also an annual recurring cost of roughly $21,000.

Though initial improvements would have to be paid by the village, the program should sustain itself through fine revenues from citations, Urry said.

"It should not impact negatively on the village operations budget," he said.

Officials did not have an estimate on anticipated revenues.

Urry said if the program is successful, Lake Zurich might install cameras at other Route 12 intersections. The public will receive ample notice before cameras are installed.

"We're not trying to surprise anybody," he said.