Orland Park Considers New Traffic and Emergency Measures

New traffic enforcement measures could soon be implemented in Orland Park. Village officials discussed the use of technology to curb speeding among drivers. “We’re changing the way we approach this because we want compliance,” Mayor Jim Dodge stated during the recent board meeting.

The board has previously considered installing speed and noise cameras to prevent reckless driving and excessive speeding. However, there was frustration as state law limits municipalities outside Chicago from issuing citations based on camera data. DacraTech, an Itasca-based company, might offer a solution with its automated speed enforcement system. Mayor Dodge explained that Orland Park officials plan to use the village’s nuisance ordinance to fine speeding drivers.

The cameras, mounted on poles, record vehicle identification, timestamps, and speed data, according to DacraTech’s website. Each location needs two cameras, and the plan includes four total. Two would be near Carl Sandburg High School, and two near Orland District 135 schools on West 151st Street. After debate, the board decided to issue two mail warnings to vehicle owners before fining them $150 for the third offense and $300 for the fourth.

“After we have a year of experience with this program, let’s see what the numbers look like,” Dodge said. He emphasized reevaluating the approach if the fines fail to deter frequent offenders. The board will review this proposal and decide on purchasing and installing the camera systems at the next Village Board meeting on Oct. 5, shared Village Manager George Koczwara.

If approved, Orland Park will pay DacraTech $150,000 annually for the four cameras and require staffing for up to 1,500 warnings and citations. The village aims for a three-year contract. “The cameras are the easy part,” Koczwara noted. The challenges lie in managing the citation process, collections, and reminders.

Mayor Dodge hopes this technology will reduce teenage speeding as parents become aware of the issue through warnings and notifications.

Emergency Procedure Updates

The Orland Park Village Board also discussed amending the village code to enhance preparedness for emergencies and tackle disruptive teen gatherings, known as “teen takeovers.” Officials intend to hold parents accountable when their children create disturbances threatening safety, damaging property, disrupting services, and straining law enforcement, as per the proposed ordinance.

The ordinance also suggested granting the mayor and police chief authority to impose a curfew during civil emergencies. Examples of such emergencies include riots, unlawful gatherings, disturbances with at least 20 people, or natural disasters causing property damage or injuries. However, after feedback on the level of authority this would grant to the mayor’s office, Dodge and officials chose to reconsider the proposal.