Traffic cameras might soon be photographing motorists in Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN — Traffic cameras could be in use by the city as soon as early next year to catch speeders near schools — and possibly in other parts of Youngstown in the near future.

Members of city council support a proposal from Police Chief Jimmy Hughes to make a deal with a company to place cameras near schools.

“We want to utilize them to reduce crime and increase safety,” Hughes said.

The cameras would film vehicles driving by schools — not including Youngstown State University — and monitor the speeds of motorists in school zones, said Councilwoman Annie Gillam, D-1st and chair of the safety committee, and Councilman John R. Swierz, D-7th and a member of the committee.

“It’s basically for safety,” Gillam said. “This is not a money thing. This is a safety thing.”

The cameras could be up and running sometime during the first three months of next year, if everything goes smoothly, Swierz said.

There haven’t been many accidents on and/or near school grounds, but there are problems with speeders in school zones, Gillam, Swierz and Hughes said.

Gillam said she opposes using the cameras in any other location but by schools.

But Swierz and Hughes are interested in expanding the use of the cameras.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com