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Recently, the use of red light cameras by local municipalities has generated a great deal of controversy, discussion and anger. I have received dozens of calls, letters, and e-mails from local residents raising legitimate concerns about this issue.

Improving public safety at busy intersections by cracking down on speeders and drivers who flagrantly disobey posted traffic signs is an important task for law enforcement to tackle, The problem is the implementation of red-light cameras to perform that task.

Studies have shown that a disproportionate share of the fines generated from these cameras comes at the expense of drivers safely and legally making a right-hand turn. But, surely, there is a process to contest these unfair, automated $100 tickets, right? Not so, unless you consider taking a day off work to present your case or paying a "protest filing-fee" (often greater than the $100 ticket) as being reasonable.

Those who receive a citation deserve a fair opportunity to challenge their presumed guilt. That's due process.

I, for one, am grateful that not all the municipalities in my legislative district are choosing to use red light cameras. After conducting a thorough analysis of the issue and weighing the pros and cons, village officials in Grayslake chose not to use the technology. They did their due diligence, listened to all sides, gave thoughtful consideration, and came to a solid conclusion. They should be commended.

A more responsible policy would be to institute stepped-up enforcement by local police at the designated intersections that have demonstrated high instances of redlight-running violations. Trained law enforcement personnel are much better equipped to make the determination of what constitutes a traffic violation than arbitrary cameras systems that are monitored by only a few well-connected companies offering ticket services.

Sven - If the municipalities were really concerned about the safety of right on reds, they would install a flashing red light. It is all about the money for these cash cow cameras!

sjg351 - Well said, Sandy and good for you. It's good to hear at least one of our Representatives agrees with the vast majority of the populace.

Jake in Lake - Nicely put, Rep. Cole!!!!!! I'm glad to see another Lake Co public servant join Sen. Dan Duffy in this fight against these fraudulent cameras. And they ARE fraudulent.

From day 1, politicians have preached they were installed for safety reasons. They even had the nerve to put them in at intersections WITHOUT any trackrecord of safety issues! They then pilfered large sums of money from people with tickets, all based on the false pretense of safety. They were then exposed by the media for being the frauds they are but only the Village of Schaumburg had the sense to eradicate these bogus money sponges that do nothing but cheat citizens and cannibalize from local businesses.

I should also say the Village of Fox Lake stalled their plans to install the cameras at Rt134 and Rt12. We'll see if they do the right thing. If they're smart and really want to promote business in Fox Lake, they'll adopt an ordinance banning these fraudulent cameras. People are so sick of bad gov't I realize many are willing to drive a little out of their way to a town that actually promotes business and freedom.

Chase Franklin - Least we forget, this issue is not limited to Lake County or any one municipality. It is becoming ubiquitous like cockroaches spreading throughout a dirty restaurant. I think there may have been a legitimate case for these cameras at one point in time and the use of them should have been severely limited to only those intersections truly deemed dangerous. The problem, like all problems is that it was discovered that they are cash cows.

Why the concern? Have I been ticketed? No I have not. I am concerned over the circumventing of due process. Recently I was ticketed for a parking violation in Chicago, I was ticketed for parking in a tow-away zone, which I was not (I even have the pictures to prove it). My true crime was parking as a handicapped person in a pay zone which takes away revenue from the contractor. Sure, I can take a day from work, go to court, file a grievance, etc. But the cost to file is more than the ticket and if I lose, which I was assured on the phone I would, I am out the filing fee, plus the fine. Cheaper and safer to just pay the fine.

This is not due process! This is revenue generation pure and simple.

ectrip8 - Bravo to Rep. Cole for actually standing up for her citizens that she was ELECTED to represent! She appears to be one of the only politicians in this state that understands who she actually works for. Not the camera companies, but the people that elected her! Bravo!