Fox Lake targets red light camera for dangerous intersection

One of Lake County's most dangerous intersections will be equipped with an extra set of eyes to catch red-light runners and observe traffic patterns.

Fox Lake recently signed a contract to install red-light cameras at the junction of routes 12 and 134, long identified as a hot spot for traffic accidents, most of which result in injuries.

Officials hope the contract with Arizona-based Redflex Traffic Systems will help deter reckless driving and decrease the number of accidents at the intersection.

"This system will be no different from an officer standing there and actually watching the violations occur," Police Chief Mike Behan said. "We will receive actual video footage, and all ticketing decisions will be made by police personnel."

Village transportation statistics revealed 1.87 accidents per week occurred at the intersection during a two-year period. Of the last 100 accidents there, 92 resulted in hospitalizations.

Ten red-light "blow-throughs" in each direction were observed by Redflex personnel during a 12-hour period. That number was three times higher than what Redflex generally requires before installing systems in intersections.

Although Redflex installs its systems free of charge, it will bill the village $4,495 per month for its services. The village keeps any fine revenue over that amount.

"The technology is meant to make the streets safer, not to raise money," said village attorney Chris Morizon. "I recommend a public forum on the topic and a trial period wherein warning tickets are issued."

Although Morizon is confident the Illinois Department of Transportation will approve the proposed installation, not everyone is sure Redflex is completely necessary in this case.

"Adding a couple of seconds of delay between the yellow and red light going each way would really improve the situation," Fox Lake resident Glenn Close said.

Communities throughout northern Illinois have adopted Redflex systems. A local example can be found at Hunt Club Road and Grand Avenue in Gurnee.

Because the system cannot be installed between Oct. 1 and May 1, Fox Lake officials are moving to make progress as quickly as possible.

Village officials are meeting with IDOT personnel next week and plan to vote on whether to install Redflex red light systems at the June 9 village board meeting.