Red really means stop in Lake in the Hills, Algonquin

Traffic light cameras are up and running in Lake in the Hills, and Algonquin will probably be next.

Nearly 200 people received warning notices after a camera caught them traveling through a red light in Lake in the Hills during the village's 30-day trial period, police said.

The trial period ended last week.

Violations photographed since Friday -- 46 as of Wednesday afternoon -- will cost the car owner $100 a pop.

Next door, Algonquin on Tuesday will sign a three-year deal with ACS State and Local Solutions Inc. that will install and maintain three cameras, review photographs and send tickets to those who run the red, Algonquin police Sgt. Wade Merritt said.

The only thing police have to do is confirm that there was a violation.

For example, the cameras may catch emergency vehicles or a funeral procession going through a red light, but police would void these tickets.

And just in case you don't remember blazing through the red light, you can see the footage for yourself on ACS' Web site by typing in a special code, Merritt said.

After securing the proper permits from McHenry County and the state, a process that may take up to 45 days, the cameras will make their Algonquin debut in May, Assistant Village Administrator Jenna Kollings said.

Drivers will get a 30-day grace period in which motorists caught on camera would receive warning notices, Merritt said.

By the time the cameras arrive, Algonquin's municipal court system will be in place for those who want to contest them, Kollings said.

The Algonquin intersections to get cameras are Randall Road and Bunker Hill Drive, Randall and Algonquin roads, and routes 31 and 62.

Each camera costs $4,950 to use. Police handpicked these particular intersections because they record the most collisions and traffic violations, Merritt said.

The village is buying four cameras in all -- two for Algonquin and Randall roads and one each for the other two intersections.

Lake in the Hills is cracking down on red-light runners at Randall and Acorn roads, one of the most dangerous intersections in the village and the site of two fatalities, Lake in the Hills police Sgt. Robert Harper said.

A total of 197 people received warning notices during the trial period from LaserCraft Public Safety Equipment Inc., the company that runs the cameras.

Since the 30-day trial period expired Thursday, motorists caught on camera running through a red light will receive a $100 ticket, Harper said.

"I think ignoring the red lights has become part of our culture," Harper said. "It takes a significant event to change somebody's behavior, and receiving a $100 ticket is a pretty good motive not to do it again."

By putting these measures in place, officials' said they ultimately hope to reduce the number of accidents and traffic violations.

"Hopefully, these will be effective," Kollings said.

Besides, police sometimes need another set of eyes, Harper said.

Red light problems

Algonquin police say these 2007 accidents occurred when motorists ran red lights.

Randall Road at Bunker Hill Drive: One fatality, six injuries and 12 incidents of property damage.

Randall at Algonquin Road: Nine injuries and 12 incidents of property damage.

Route 31 at Route 62: Seven injuries and 13 incidents of property damage.