Former Alderman’s Personal Red Light Camera
In a side-bar story to the recent red light camera coverage the Tribune has been doing is this interesting article about Burt Natarus’ personal red light camera.
According to former 42nd Ward Alderman Natarus, he got the RLC installed there because his condo is at the intersection of Kingsbury & Ontario.
“I put it in there,” said Natarus, who was chairman of the City Council’s Traffic Committee when the cameras were installed in March 2007. “It’s a very dangerous intersection. . . . They roll right through that thing.”
The city scoffs at his allegations, but when the Trib looked at the accident data to rationalize installing the RLC, there were no accidents in 2005 and 2006 to base their decision on before that camera was installed in March 2007.
But in 2007, perhaps after the cameras were installed, the city documented three accidents there.
HILARIOUS stuff!
Hey, it’s Chicago. The city that works.
Read the full story, “Burton Natarus has red-light camera on his corner.”
It’s obvious Natarus shouldn’t be speaking to the press. He doesn’t overlook a press interview even if his utterings are embarassments to the city because they might be true. Scameras are Scameras just like most city representation which are highly suspect.
Aren’t all red-light camera intersections supposed to be approved by IDOT? Or does Chicago get a pass and our intersections just have to be approved by (the inept and useless) CDOT?
Great question! Because Chicago started putting in cameras before the Illinois law went into effect IDOT has no authority over what Chicago does. Chicago is not subject to regulations about documenting any traffic safety improvements. In light of recent Chicago Tribune articles, the varacity of Chicago’s traffic collision records has come under scrutiny. Chicago is the only major city I know of that opted to purchase the cameras rather than to use a service provider therby avoiding any investment.
Chicago has admitted to not having the ability to regularly service their thousands of traffic signals, but the city earmarked $35 Million for maintaining their red light ticket cameras. I guess the city figures safety doesn’t pay.
The city missed out on another way to make money. Admittedly off-topic, Ray Suarez blocked a 5-dog-limit ordinance. It would put a (generous) limit on dogs you can own. Depending on coding, a puppy mill operator could have paid BIG bucks! Breeders and hoarders rejoice! Note that Ald Suarez has 6 dogs overrunning his house. His house most likely smells like a puppy mill. Campaign donors beware!