( http://theexpiredmeter.com/?p=7205&cpage=1#comment-43356 has addition information.)

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/special_report/illinois-red-light-camera-size-idot-20100927

Some Red Light Cameras in Illinois Out of Compliance with IDOT Rules
Updated: Monday, 27 Sep 2010, 9:49 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 27 Sep 2010, 8:15 PM CDT

By Mark Saxenmeyer, FOX Chicago News

Oak Forest, Ill. - If you ever get caught by a red light camera, your best argument may be the intersection is out of compliance. Through a Freedom of Information Act request, FOX Chicago News has learned that some red light cameras are out of compliance, with lights that should have been upgraded years ago.

The problem is an IDOT safety memorandum which clearly states that within nine months after the cameras go into effect, muncipalities are responsible for making sure all traffic signal heads are 12 inches in diameter with led lights to see better. Chicago is not covered by this rule.

"The safety of everybody who drives, rides, walks, or rides a bicycle is in jeopordy," said Barnett Fagel, the self-appointed Ticket Doctor.

We found a light in violation at the corner of Cicero and 167th in Oak Forest. There, the red light is 12 inches as it should be, but the yellow and green are eight inches.

"The most important signal besides the green is the yellow," Fagel said. "The yellow's the thing that gives you the warning for an upcoming change in signal. If you're not aware of the change, you can't prepare for it."

Oak Forest isn't the only violator. In Homewood, we found two questionable intersections. At Halsted and 183rd, we once again fond yellow and green lights that are not as big as the 12 inch red light. On top of that, the day we stopped at Halsted and 183rd, the green light wasn't even working.

We brought our findings to Illinois State Sen. Dan Duffy, one of Illinois' strongest opponents of red light cameras.

"The cameras that are not up to code need to be removed immediately," said Sen. Duffy. "The people that received tickets from those cameras need to be reimbursed."

In the case of Oak Forest, Police Chief Greg Anderson told us it was an honest mistake and that it will be corrected as soon as possible. In Homewood, despite our multiple voicemails, the Village Manager never gave us an explanation.

Will this argument get your ticket dropped at a hearing? Attorney Patrick Keating said it certainly couldn't hurt.

"If you're at a signal that has an eight inch signal head and not 12 inch led heads and you say, 'I didn't see the light, it was hard to see,' that might get you somewhere," said Keating.
 

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