Orland Park Plans New Traffic and Emergency Measures

Orland Park is considering new traffic enforcement strategies to combat speeding. Village officials discussed these measures on Monday, highlighting technology designed to reduce driver speed violations. According to Mayor Jim Dodge, the village’s focus is on achieving compliance.

The Board previously considered installing speed and noise cameras, but state law limits municipalities outside Chicago from using this data to issue citations. A potential solution could be DacraTech’s automated speed enforcement system. This system involves mounting pole cameras that capture vehicle data, including speed and timestamps. The village intends to impose fines under its nuisance ordinance using data from this system.

Plans involve placing four cameras: two near Carl Sandburg High School and two near Orland District 135 schools. Before imposing fines, vehicle owners would receive two warning notices, followed by fines of $150 for a third offense and $300 for a fourth. Mayor Dodge expressed optimism that the warnings will lead to compliance.

The Board will revisit the proposal during the next meeting on Oct. 5 to decide on acquiring and installing the system, according to Village Manager George Koczwara. The village plans to enter a three-year contract with DacraTech, costing $150,000 annually for four cameras and necessary staff support. Koczwara noted that administering warnings and citations will require significant manpower.

Meanwhile, Mayor Dodge hopes the technology will help curb speeding among teenagers by notifying parents about violations.

Emergency Procedure Updates

Orland Park Village Board is also reviewing emergency procedures. The Board aims to amend the village code to address future emergencies and mitigate disruptive events known as “teen takeovers.” Following other communities, the village seeks to hold parents responsible for their children’s involvement in disturbances that jeopardize safety or demand excessive law enforcement resources.

A proposed ordinance would allow the mayor and police chief to impose curfews after declaring a civil emergency. Such emergencies can include riots, unlawful gatherings of 20 or more people, or disasters causing property damage or injuries.

However, after board feedback on the extent of authority this grants to the mayor’s office, officials plan to reassess the proposal.