20170615 PR - OB motion to dismiss red light camera case grantedFor Release: 6-15-17
Contact: Riccardo F. Ginex
Phone: (630) 368-5000
Fax: (630) 368-5045
1200 Oak Brook Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523 Village of Oak Brook Press Release
Village of Oak Brook Dismisses Red Light Camera Case
Oak Brook, Illinois, June 15, 2017 - Yesterday, as requested by our Village President and Board of
Trustees, Judge Paul Fullerton granted the Village of Oak Brook’s Motion to Dismiss its suit against
Oakbrook Terrace, the Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”), a private red light
surveillance contractor and various officials who convinced IDOT to allow red-light cameras at the
intersection of Route 83 and 22nd Street. Although it is not certain whether IDOT will enable the
cameras to become operational, Oak Brook believes that it has jurisdiction over this intersection.
According to Illinois law, the Village of Oak Brook may refile the lawsuit at its discretion.
Earlier this year, the Village Board adopted its Ordinance declaring that video surveillance ticketing
by private red light contractors distorts public law enforcement into a private money-making
enterprise for the companies retaining 40% of ticket revenue. Ticket revenue sharply increases with
red light technology, which imposes a standard of compliance perfection on intersections that are
already safe, but where a statistically small number of drivers commit technical infractions posing no
safety threat. The cameras induce exaggerated reactions to yellow lights, and unsafe right-turning
behaviors by drivers seeking to avoid automatic tickets. The result is more accidents and damage to
life and property.
Village President Gopal Lalmalani stated, “We again reaffirm the finding in our Ordinance that
except for the most dangerous intersections, none of which exist in the Oak Brook area, red light
cameras are of no benefit and of significant harm. The intersection of Route 83 and 22nd Street is
very safe and red light cameras are not at all justified.” Lalmalani pointed out that the Northwestern
University Transportation Center has verified that issuing more video tickets at intersections has
produced no decrease in traffic accidents, and that based on Northwestern’s data, many red light
cameras in Chicago communities have been removed. Importantly, the IDOT decision permitting
the cameras in Oakbrook Terrace was based on the same blemished rationale of mere technical
infractions, with no reference to any safety issues.
The only statistical relationship demonstrated by every investigative report is the clear connection
between red light camera companies and political donations to Mayors and State legislators
responsible for sponsoring legislation or pressuring IDOT to grant permits. This “income equation”
is fueled by the motoring public at the rate of $100 per ticket. The Village of Oak Brook maintains
that motorists should not be the source of the money funneled into this political payment system.
“Red light cameras are illegal anywhere within the Village of Oak Brook,” said Lalmalani, “and that
remains the law in Oak Brook. We urge our neighbor, the City of Oakbrook Terrace, to reconsider
their commitment to threatening safety for the sake of ticket revenue.”
About the Village of Oak Brook:
Founded in 1958, the Village of Oak Brook is located 15 miles west of downtown Chicago and is in proximity to the
junction of Interstates 88, 294, and 290. The Village consists mostly of residential subdivisions, with the exception
of the Oak Brook Center shopping mall, other retail and office properties along 22nd Street and Interstate 88. Oak
Brook is the home of many corporate offices, most notably, the world headquarters of McDonald’s Corporation,
Ace Hardware, Tree House Foods, Inland Real Estate and the service club organization Lions Clubs International.
Oak Brook is also known for being one of the few municipalities in the Chicago area that does not levy a property
tax on residents or businesses, or point red light cameras at motorists . Visit www.oak-brook.org to learn more.
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