'Write Some Tickets,' La Grange Cops Told

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange police were encouraged Monday to write traffic tickets and "light these people up" to help protect pedestrians.

During Monday's Village Board meeting, two residents told trustees they were frustrated with drivers disregarding pedestrians.

Bridget Murphy, who lives in the 500 block of South Brainard Avenue, said drivers are not following the rules on her road.

"I was so excited when you put in a nice flashing sign, so people could slow down," Murphy said. "After three years, I don't think it's making a difference, guys. I have a 3-year-old. I walk the dog frequently. People aren't stopping. They blow right through it, whether (or not) the lights are flashing."

Murphy suggested a stop sign, a speed bump or more traffic tickets.

"I know that I drive the speed limit there primarily just to encourage others, and I have literally seen people passing me in the other lane flying," she said.

Alan Foreman, who lives in the 10 block of Seventh Avenue, told the board that he saw plenty of near misses when walking in his neighborhood. That includes La Grange Road and Harris Avenue, where Village Hall is.

"I'm seeing more and more. That's why I raise this topic," Foreman said. "I think there's a lot of competition between impatient pedestrians trying to cross the street and impatient drivers trying to make turns."

Officials noted efforts to step up enforcement on Brainard and in downtown, saying they would continue to do so.

Trustee Lou Gale was direct in his comments about the issue, saying he has seen near misses in both places.

"Chief, light these people up. Write some tickets," Gale said. "I want to put that on the record. I don't know whether we have a reputation as a place that writes too many tickets. I wouldn't mind that for a while if we have pedestrian safety issues."