Consider Red Light Cameras In Burr Ridge: Trustees

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge trustees expressed interest this week in the possibility of putting up red light cameras at key intersections on Route 83.

The discussion occurred after the police department gave its annual report, which included statistics on crashes. Two Route 83 intersections of concern are 91st Street and South Frontage Road.

Asked about Willowbrook's red light cameras, Village Administrator Evan Walter said they generate about $800,000 in fines a year.

Hearing that number, Trustee Joe Snyder said, "I think we have some cameras to put in."

According to Willowbrook's website, red light cameras are at Route 83's intersections with 63rd Street, 75th Street and Midway Drive.

Walter said he did not know whether Willowbrook's cameras have reduced crashes. But he said Willowbrook's three intersections are more heavily trafficked.

"I wouldn't want the board to draw any inferences on their large revenue source based on what our experience would be," Walter said. "Again, it's different drivers, different types of traffic. I'd want us to do a very thorough analysis on what our expectation would be should we endeavor to make that policy decision."

Deputy Police Chief Marc Loftus said red light cameras wouldn't solve all the problems at the village's Route 83 intersections because many crashes are attributed to speed and lighting.

Trustee Guy Franzese said he would like Burr Ridge to find out whether Willowbrook has seen a big drop in crashes after it installed the cameras. If so, then Burr Ridge should consider cameras, he said.

"If there are fees we collect, it's a bonus for the village," he said. "But the main point here is to improve the safety of traveling on these roads."

Like Burr Ridge, most area towns have no red light cameras. They include Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange and Darien. Western Springs has them.

Patch emailed an inquiry to Willowbrook's police chief Wednesday morning.