In an effort to reduce collisions and make Village streets safer, Algonquin began red light camera enforcement program in October 2008. The program is seen by Village officials as an important step to improve the safety and flow of local traffic. Citations will be sent to violators, who will then be responsible for paying the $100 fine listed on the citation.
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The following are some frequently asked questions you may have about red light camera enforcement:
Why is the Village of Algonquin installing red light cameras?
Red light cameras were installed to help protect our community against the risks of red light running crashes. Traffic safety is a top priority for the Algonquin Police Department, whose officers continue to patrol the streets and issue traffic citations. Red light running is a leading cause of urban crashes and often causes injury and death. Each year, red light runners cause as many as 218,000 traffic collisions in the United States. On average, more than 180,000 people are injured and nearly 900 people are killed in these crashes. These injuries and deaths cost the public some $14 billion annually, according to the Federal Highway Administration. The agency says more than half of the deaths are pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles who are hit by red light violators.
Red light camera enforcement is a proven traffic safety tool that provides effective, continuous enforcement. Recent studies on red light camera enforcement conclude that cameras reduce personal injury crashes by 30%.
A red light violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. It is good driving practice (and the law) to not enter an intersection unless you will be able to exit it before the light turns red. Motorists already in the intersection when the signal changes to red, when waiting to turn for example, are not considered red light violators.
Cameras are installed at three intersections based on crash statistics compiled by the Algonquin Police Department. Each intersection will be clearly marked with signs. Red light camera locations are subject to change based on the most recent crash statistics. The first intersections in the Village that will be equipped with red light camera systems are:
Randall Road and Algonquin Road
Randall Road and Bunker Hill Drive/Huntington Drive
Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was determined to have committed a red light violation. By law, as the owner of the vehicle, the Notice of Violation is mailed to you, regardless of who was driving the vehicle.
You may remit your payment by mailing a check or money order along with the bottom portion of your red light violation. For added convenience, you may also pay online using Algonquin ePay.
You have the right to contest the imposition of the civil penalty by requesting, in writing, an administrative adjudication hearing by the due date. You must request an administrative adjudication hearing by signing the form on the back of the Notice of Violation and mailing it so that it is received by the due date on the Notice. You will be notified in writing of the date and time of the hearing, which will be held at Algonquin Village Hall. If you are found liable after the administrative adjudication hearing or you request a hearing but fail to appear, you will be liable for the amount of the penalty. If you are found liable for the civil penalty after an administrative adjudication hearing, you shall pay the civil penalty, plus any applicable court costs, immediately upon determination of liability. You may also contest a violation by mail by following the directions on the back of the Notice of Violation.
Who administers the red light camera enforcement program?
Algonquin's red light camera enforcement program will be administered by ACS State & Local Solutions, Inc., who is currently contracted to provide similar successful programs throughout the nation.
This is a safety program. Automated safety systems have been shown to reduce red light violations and intersection crashes. Numerous studies throughout the United States and worldwide, as well as the experience of many other cities, indicate significant decreases in red light running violations and collisions after cameras were installed. Often times, a spill-over effect results from automated enforcement. For example, other intersections not monitored by automated enforcement also see a decrease in violations and accidents because of the presence of enforcement in other areas of the community. Any additional revenue generated after the costs of implementing the program have been offset will be applied to public safety measures.
