Orland Park’s New Approach to Traffic Enforcement
Orland Park village officials are exploring the use of technology to address speeding issues on local roads. During a recent board meeting, Mayor Jim Dodge emphasized the aim to achieve driver compliance. Past discussions have highlighted the limitations imposed by state law on municipalities outside Chicago regarding speed and noise cameras. However, a partnership with DacraTech might offer a solution. The company provides an automated speed enforcement system, which village officials plan to utilize under the nuisance ordinance.
The system comprises pole-mounted cameras that record vehicle information, including timestamps and speed. The plan is to deploy four cameras, requiring two per location. These will be strategically placed near Carl Sandburg High School and Orland District 135 schools. The enforcement strategy involves mailing two warnings to vehicle owners, followed by fines: $150 for the third offense and $300 for the fourth.
Mayor Dodge suggested monitoring the effectiveness of the program over the coming year, with an openness to adjustments based on data. The board will revisit the proposal during their next meeting, scheduled for October 5, to decide on purchasing and installing the cameras.
Village Manager George Koczwara shared insights into the financial and logistical aspects. If approved, DacraTech would receive $150,000 annually for the cameras and necessary staff to manage up to 1,500 warnings and citations. The village is considering a three-year contract.
Emergency Procedure Updates
Beyond traffic measures, the Orland Park Village Board is contemplating changes to the village code to better handle emergencies and mitigate disruptions from large adolescent gatherings, dubbed “teen takeovers.” The proposed ordinance targets disturbances affecting public safety or property and places a burden on law enforcement.
The ordinance proposes fines for parents of offending minors and grants powers to the mayor and police chief to impose curfews during civil emergencies. These emergencies are defined as riots, gatherings of at least 20 individuals, or natural disasters causing damage or harm. However, concerns over the extent of authority granted to the mayor have led officials to reconsider certain aspects of the proposal.