Deer Park Discontinues Red Light Cameras in the Village
On April 11th the Village of Deer Park terminated its red light camera agreement with RedSpeed for the cameras located at Deer Park Boulevard and Route 12. Per the agreement, RedSpeed will turn off the cameras on June 10th.
Deer Park, April 20, 2016: The Board of Trustees for the Village of Deer Park voted to discontinue the use of its red light cameras at its March 21st Board meeting. The Board reviewed 6 years of red light camera data and discussed the red light program at several board meetings before reaching its decision. While changing drivers’ behavior at a very busy intersection was its initial intent, 6 years of accident data at the location was inconclusive. The two cameras see approximately 47,000 cars travel pass the intersection daily on Route 12 with many vehicles entering and leaving Deer Park Town Center.
According to Trustee Dale Sands “The intent of the cameras was to reduce accidents and provide a safe intersection along a busy retail corridor in the Village. However, the data did not show any significant change over the past 6 years.”
Critics of red light cameras cite revenues as the main reason municipalities install cameras. President Bob Kellermann commented, “While RedSpeed fines accounted for 3-5% of Village revenues each year, the Board’s decision was based on safety.”
RedSpeed has informed the Village that the Cameras will be turned off June 10th. Per contractual obligations with RedSpeed, the cameras will be operational and still issuing fines until that date.
The Village of Deer Park was incorporated in 1957. Located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago minutes from Route 53 and two Metra train stations, it is home to Deer Park Town Center, Town Center Promenade, Deer Park Office Center, The Solana of Deer Park and the Reserve at Deer Park. The residential community includes over 13 parks and walking trails flanked by two forest preserves.