S. Elgin reviews red-light cameras

South Elgin leaders are considering joining the growing number of towns with red-light enforcement cameras.

Village trustees have yet to give the official green light to a camera firm and it could take six to eight months before cameras are installed.

But they arrived at a consensus this week to have staff members move forward on the project.

South Elgin Police Chief Chris Merritt said the cameras will improve traffic enforcement by taking photos of vehicles that run red lights and, in turn, decrease accidents.

"It's impossible to have a police officer there 24 hours a day," Merritt said. "This technology has evolved to a point where it's an effective way to change motorists' behavior."

Several Fox Valley communities, including Algonquin, Elgin, Geneva, St. Charles and West Dundee, have OK'd or are strongly considering red-light cameras.

Lake in the Hills has red-light cameras now.

South Elgin trustees would ultimately chose the firm, which would then study and determine locations.

Trustee Scott Richmond estimated there would be two or three intersections in town.

"There's definitely a couple of areas in town where we think it would be helpful, particularly Randall Road," Richmond said, adding McLean Boulevard also is an option.

Although South Elgin would collect the fines from red-light violators, Merritt said the function of the cameras is safety.

"We don't want to make any money off this," he said. "We want to prevent people from getting hurt."