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1. Is red light running really that big a problem?

Nationwide, it's estimated that there are 9,000 crashes caused by red light running each year. Here in Oak Forest, we issue about 52 red light citations annually. It's a big problem and a leading cause of traffic fatalities.

2. How can red light traffic cameras help?

Red light cameras will help us enforce traffic laws by automatically photographing vehicles whose drivers run red lights. The system continuously monitors the traffic signal, and the camera is triggered by any vehicle entering the intersection after the signal has turned red. Cameras record the date, time of day, time elapsed since the beginning of the red signal, vehicle speed, and license plate.

3. Why can't the police monitor intersections instead?

The Police Department is committed to keeping you safe, but no community can afford to police every red-light intersection every hour of every day. ?The cameras allow officers to spend their time protecting Oak Forest in other ways.

4. What about my privacy? Will I be photographed every time I go through an intersection?

No, cameras are set so that only vehicles that enter an intersection after the light has turned red are photographed.

5. Does someone double-check the photographs before drivers are ticketed?

Yes. ?Trained officers review every picture to verify vehicle information and ensure the vehicle is in violation. Tickets are issued only in cases where it is clear the vehicle ran the light.

6. How much does it cost?

There is no cost to the city for installing, operating or maintaining the system. The program is funded by the violators.

7. Is this just a way for the city to make money?

Not really. The city's main objective is to deter violators, not to catch them. Signs have been posted at each intersection warning drivers that photo enforcement is in use.

8. Do red light cameras have a positive track record?

Yes, cameras are already used for law enforcement in many U.S. cities, towns, counties, and communities of all sizes.

9. How do other communities feel about red light cameras?

Most people support the cameras. Like anything new, there's bound to be an adjustment period. But soon, drivers here will get used to obeying the traffic rules, and see that everyone else is too. Over time, most of the community will agree that the benefits of increased safety make it worthwhile.