Schaumburg Pulls Red Light Camera’s For Political Reasons
February 16th, 2009 | by Brian Costin Published in Blog, Public Safety
It looks as if the change of red light camera policy by the Village Board and Mayor Al Larson was due to the public outcry over the bad policy and the outrage over the number of tickets written. The Schaumburg Freedom Coalition repeatedly testified before the board to not install these cameras in the first place. Well, better late than never.
Via Journal & Topics Newspapers Online.
Shortly before he wrote that memo, Prandini had a conversation with Schaumburg Director of Police Richard Casler who told him Mayor Al Larson is considering pulling out of the Red Speed contract for political reasons, according to Prandini’s memo.
Schaumburg issued 9,000 camera-generated citations totaling $300,000, but also heard many complaints from motorists visiting Woodfield Mall who were issued tickets for not coming to a full stop before turning right on red.
Also this story from the Daily Herald
The village reported that about 50 negative phone calls, letters or e-mails were received and 380 drivers requested an adjudication hearing. But 74 percent of the tickets were paid by last week, when the right-turn cameras were turned off.
With two major wins in early 2009, the Schaumburg Freedom Coalition and the citizens of Schaumburg are becoming a stronger political force for positive change.
Technically the fight is not yet over to remove the red light cameras from Schaumburg. To finalize the changes in policy, the issue is anticipated to be voted on at the next Schaumburg board meeting. Currently under consideration for removal is the right turn cameras responsible for 98% of the tickets. Below is the information so you can voice your opinion on this issue when it matters most.
Schaumburg Village Board Meeting
Russ Parker Hall
February 24, 2009
8:00 PM
As the date nears the full agenda of the meeting will be posted on the Village of Schaumburg website calendar.
In addition to the work done by the Schaumburg Freedom Coalition there was one Schaumburg citizen, Robert Garrett, whose efforts on this issue should be specifically commended. Mr. Garrett testified at a number of the meetings and spoke out eloquently against the red light camera placement in the Village. He also raised awareness by passing out information to hundreds of Schaumburg citizens at the post office, Alexian Field, and other locations. He led a letter writing campaign to Village authorities to help turn the tide in the minds of the mayor and the Village board members.
It is a good sign for Schaumburg when new leaders in the community stand up and achieve success in reforming bad policies. Kudos to Mr. Garrett.
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