Orland Park may soon enhance its traffic enforcement measures. Village officials recently discussed technology aimed at reducing speeding among drivers. During Monday’s board meeting, Mayor Jim Dodge emphasized a focus on compliance.
The board previously explored installing speed and noise cameras to tackle reckless driving. However, state law restricts municipalities outside Chicago from issuing citations based on such data. The Itasca-based company DacraTech offers a potential solution. Their automated speed enforcement system might allow Orland Park to impose fines under the village’s nuisance ordinance.
This system uses pole-mounted cameras capturing vehicle identification, timestamps, and speed measurements. Each location requires two cameras, with planned installations near Carl Sandburg High School and Orland District 135 schools on West 151st Street. Following a debate, board members agreed on a policy of two warning letters followed by fines of $150 for a third offense and $300 for a fourth.
Dodge proposed evaluating the program after a year to assess its effectiveness. The board will review the proposal again at the next Village Board meeting on Oct. 5.
Orland Park Village Manager George Koczwara mentioned a $150,000 annual payment to DacraTech for the four cameras along with staffing to handle 1,500 potential warnings and citations. The village hopes to finalize a three-year contract.
The system’s easy part is installing the cameras. The more complex aspect involves managing citations and collections. Dodge expressed hope that the new technology will curb speeding among teenagers, making parents aware through warnings and notices.
Emergency Procedure Updates
The Orland Park Village Board also discussed adapting the village code for future emergencies and addressing disruptive teen gatherings known as “teen takeovers.”
Officials intend to fine parents when their children engage in large disturbances that threaten safety, damage property, disrupt services, or strain law enforcement and emergency personnel.
The ordinance suggests granting the mayor and police chief authority to establish a curfew during civil emergencies. These emergencies include riots, unlawful gatherings, disturbances, or natural disasters causing property damage or injuries.
After hearing concerns from board members about the mayor’s authority level, Dodge and village officials decided to reassess the proposal.