Most Elmhurst Speeders Live In Town: Mayor

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst City Council voted Monday to take a number of steps to crack down on speeding.

"One of the things I've learned is that the people who are speeding around town are mostly the people who live in town," Mayor Scott Levin said after the vote.

Among the measures are the purchase of two portable "traffic data collector" instruments to record traffic speeds, volume, time and direction. The city also plans to buy two portable, pole-mounted electronic speed display signs. The cost of all the equipment is about $11,000.

The city also aims to hire two summer traffic interns, who would work part time to deploy speed measuring and calming devices and upload traffic data and other reports. The budget impact is estimated at $10,000.

The city also plans to establish a traffic safety review team and launch an "It's Our Town, Let's Slow Down" public relations campaign.

Earlier this year, alderwomen Marti Deuter and Jennifer Veremis proposed the city consider ways to reduce speeding in town. Deuter told the council that it is an issue that generates more complaints than any other.

When aldermen get such complaints, they typically refer them to the police department, which responds with targeted enforcement and placement of speed trailers to alert drivers how fast they're going, Deuter said.

"While the current approach is responsive and may have a temporary effect, it doesn't adequately reflect the importance our city places on pedestrian and traffic safety," Deuter said.

Under the new policy, the city is adopting a standardized traffic issue reporting form to record complaints, document traffic safety data, and list findings and actions, including communications with residents.

The council voted 13-0 for the measures. Alderman Mark Mulliner was absent.