By Amanda Ensinger
Staff Writer
According to Police Chief Byron Smith, Franklin Township will soon have traffic cameras in place.
This new camera system was discussed at a recent board meeting.
“In the next few weeks, we will be getting all the signage up and then we can start implementing this,” Smith said.
According to Smith, the funds generated from the new camera system would benefit a variety of township departments. He said 60 percent of the funds generated would go toward the police department, 28 percent would go to the general fund, 10 percent would be used for road/infrastructure projects and 2 percent would be set aside for a grant for seniors of Franklin Heights High School.
The township is coordinating who will be its moderator for people who want to dispute their tickets.
Some residents did express concerns about the new ticketing system, asking if this is an attempt to collect more revenue.
“What will the speed limit be to be ticketed,” asked Tim Chaney, township resident.
According to Smith, drivers will be ticketed for going 10 miles per hour or more over the speed limit.
“This is a safety issue,” Smith said. “We are trying to get the worst offenders.”
The trustees reiterated this point and told residents the reason they are allowing these cameras is to reduce traffic crashes in the township.
“We don’t want to make this a cash cow thing,” said trustee John Fleshman. “We don’t want people to think if they go one or two miles over the speed limit, they are going to get ticketed. However, we have issues with speeding and are trying to protect residents. I have witnessed a lot of issues, including seeing people pass school buses. This is unacceptable and is what we are trying to fix.”
The cameras will be positioned at high traffic areas where there have been increased accidents and speeding. Among these locations will be Frank Road.
The board also discussed a resolution that would permit the police department to spend up to $2,000 a month on overtime and special duty.
“Over the last four months, we have spent close to $10,000 to $15,000 in overtime,” said Smith.
The trustees approved the resolution but said overtime would be evaluated on quarterly basis and adjusted as needed.
