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Traffic cams topic of chamber breakfast

East Liverpool Police Chief John Lane offered information about the new traffic cam system to members of the Southern Columbiana County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their Sunrise Breakfast Thursday at Kent State University-East Liverpool. (Photo by Jo Ann Bobby-Gilbert)

EAST LIVERPOOL — Police Chief John Lane provided information and dispelled misconceptions about the traffic cam program recently implemented by his department during Thursday’s Southern Columbiana County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Sunrise Breakfast.

Lane emphasized that, despite some claiming the system is illegal or unconstitutional, “It’s legal. If it wasn’t legal, we wouldn’t be doing it. It’s already made its way through the court cases.”

Another myth, that officers are “hiding” and can’t be seen while operating the camera, was dispelled when Lane — who often takes his turn with them — made chamber members chuckle by saying, “Once every 10 minutes someone honks at me, waving one finger, so they see me.”

On a more serious note, Lane said, “You’re breaking the law if you go above the speed limit. They’ve been that way since the 1950s. You only have to slow down and it’s not an issue.”

Even though the city is allowing drivers nine miles over the speed limit (six in a school zone) before a ticket is issued, Lane stressed, “It isn’t legal to drive nine miles over the speed limit. It’s just a buffer.”

Asked where officers have been ticketing the most drivers, Lane said it appears the overpasses on state Route 39 and West Ninth Street are the “hot spots.”

He said more local drivers would be ticketed if officers were to operate the cameras more often on Pennsylvania Avenue and St. Clair Avenue and admitted he doesn’t forward tickets to those drivers cited on St. Clair Avenue where the speed drops suddenly from 35 to 25 mph.

He explained how the cameras work, noting they only snap photos if a vehicle is traveling 10 miles or more over the speed limit (except in school zones), logging the location and other information.

All this information is then forwarded to Blue Line Solutions, the company which provides the cameras, which does all the research into the tickets, regarding drivers’ names, addresses and the like.

The tickets are sent to the owners of the vehicles, no matter who is driving, and Lane emphasized the owner is ultimately responsible.

Asked what is the repercussion for those who don’t pay, Lane said the original $100 ticket will increase in increments with late penalties and ultimately go to collections, possibly resulting in a person having the amount deducted from a tax refund.

One man received eight tickets and Lane said he believes the man saw the mayor of another state on social media who has been burning such tickets, saying they don’t have to be paid.

“That was a different state. I think at some point, he’ll have to pay,” Lane said.

“No one’s happy when they get a ticket,” he agreed, but said recipients have the option of a hearing with the city hearing officer and also of taking their protest further to Municipal Court if not happy with that decision.

Chamber members wondered where the ticket revenue will be used, with one person complaining her street hasn’t been paved in some time.

Lane said the city receives 60 percent of all ticket revenue, with Blue Line Solutions receiving 40 percent, from which the officers’ overtime salaries to operate the cameras are paid.

Of the city’s share, the police department receives 80 percent, and Lane said the city could use its share for streets but in his department it can be used for equipment, officer training, tires or even the boards being used to board up drug houses.

“I need tasers. That’s $20,000. I always need tires. This will definitely be helpful,” he said.

The first check to the city was more than $76,000, and Lane said he has been advised the next one will likely be more but will likely level off after that, with people slowing down more and more.

The chief said slower traffic results in fewer crashes and much less severe injuries and damage when there is a crash.

“I think it’s a good program. Because it’s new, people are up in arms. People will slow down and for those who don’t, the city will benefit,” Lane concluded.

Thursday’s breakfast was sponsored by Farmers National Bank.

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