Agenda Cover Memorandum Meeting Date: April 9, 2012 Item Title: Photo Enforcement at Railroad Crossings Action Requested: Approval For discussion Feedback requested For your information Staff Contact: Frank Kaminski, Chief of Police Phone Number: (847) 318-5261 Email Address: fkaminsk@parkridgepolice.org Background: Last year, the Department was asked by the Union Pacific (UP) Railroad to consider the use of photo enforcement at railroad crossings. The Department partnered with UP to develop an informational presentation at railroad crossings. In addition, the Department has consulted with IDOT, Illinois Commerce Commission, Redspeed, Redflex and City Engineer Mitchell. UP uses photo enforcement in other states and it feels it is a positive program. This would be a new initiative for them here in Illinois. Officer Kappler and a UP represenative will be presenting information on a photo enforcement program for the tracks at Greenwood. Recommendation: Budget Implications: Does Action Require an Expenditure of Funds: Yes No If Yes, Total Cost: If Yes, is this a Budgeted Item: Yes No If Budgeted, Budget Code (Fund, Dept, Object) Attachments: Rev 03/07/12
Agenda Cover Memorandum (Cont.) Page 2 of 2
Mission Statement The Park Ridge Police Department is dedicated to providing excellent police service through positive community partnerships and collaborations with our citizens in order to reduce crime, create a safe environment, build trust, and enhance the quality of life in our community
Traffic Safety is a Part of Our Mission Ongoing Traffic Safety Initiatives D.U.I. Road Blocks Seatbelt Enforcement Radar Patrols Red Light Photo Enforcement Selective Enforcement Traffic Complaints High School Drivers Education Community Education Staff Traffic Advisory Committee (STAC) School Advisory Committee Operation Lifesaver
Railroad Crossing Safety Union Pacific meets with Park Ridge Police Topics included: Request PD research future photo enforcement at crossings Potential for Park Ridge to be a traffic safety leader Would be 1 st in Illinois at a UP crossing First in Cook County One of the very first in the Chicagoland area
Railroad Crossing Concerns Violations observed/hazards exist 500+ patrol hours spent at rail crossings in Park Ridge in last 3 years Tickets/Accidents Selective Enforcement Trespassing/Track Condition Complaints Operation Lifesaver Violators difficult to stop While enforcing, Officers are put in harm s way Photo Enforcement at railroad crossings are the safest, best option
Railroad Crossing Photo Enforcement Benefits Removes Officers from harm s way Eliminates traffic stop Provides video for follow up investigations To be used for damage to property complaints, accident investigations (vehicle or pedestrian), or other criminal investigations Eliminates only having officer vs. violator testimony Video proof provided for review
Railroad Crossings Statistics ILLINOIS RANKS 2 ND HIGHEST IN 2010 HIGHWAY- RAIL COLLISIONS Trains can take more than a mile to stop In 2010-57 trespassers were killed In 2010-125 collisions at crossings Railroad warning systems are in place When warning systems are ignored, ENFORCEMENT is a proven method in changing driver behavior
Illinois Railroad Crossing Enforcement Law A driver is required to stop when: 625ILCS5/11-1201.1 1. A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or railroad track equipment 2. A crossing gate is being lowered or raised 3. A railroad train or railroad track equipment approaching a highway crossing emits a warning signal, and by reason of its speed or nearness to such crossing, is an immediate hazard; 4. A human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or railroad track equipment 5. An approaching railroad train or railroad track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing Stopping at Railroad Crossings is not an Option; It s the LAW
Park Ridge Railroad Crossings Dee Road Greenwood Oakton Uptown Highest amount of violations observed at Greenwood Crossing (13)
Greenwood Crossing- NB 20,000 vehicles cross UP tracks at Greenwood daily 68 commuter train movements daily Train speed as high as 70 mph
Greenwood Crossing
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Violation Penalty Officer Enforced 1 st Offense- $250 2 nd Offense- $500 Violator must appear in Court Moving violation 6 month S.O.S. Suspension for 2 nd offense Photo Enforced 1 st Offense- $250 2 nd Offense- $500 Citation mailed to owner Court appearance optional In Person By Mail Non-moving violation 5 unpaid violations S.O.S. Suspension
Program Launch Process
Cost Contractor to cover cost of equipment & installation $3,000 to $5,500 per camera per month Violator funded Less than 1 paid ticket a day required to cover monthly charge All fines collected over monthly fee forwarded to Park Ridge
Photo enforcement at the Greenwood Crossing applies this proven traffic safety formula Engineering + Education + Enforcement = Intersection Safety
Railroad Program Goals Change driver behavior To eliminate motorists stopping on tracks Reduce/eliminate the number of motorist that continue to drive past the flashing warning lights Reduce/eliminate motorists from driving under or around the gates as they lower to stop the traffic Use technology to increase enforcement of R/R crossing violations to motorists while removing officers from the hazards of making traffic stops around oncoming trains