Youngstown takes steps to cut down on speeding - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Reckless driving, especially in some of Youngstown's school zones, has prompted city council to agree to place 10 traffic cameras near schools throughout the city.

Councilman John Swierz is one of the co-sponsors of the ordinance. "We've got to change the driving patterns of people that are speeding throughout the city," Swierz said.

Youngstown's Board of Control will now enter into planning negotiations with Redflex Traffic Systems. The company will do a study as to which school zones need the cameras the most.

Police Chief Rod Foley says, "We've been getting several complaints of where we think we know they are needed, but we want to do a thorough study with them."

Foley says violators will receive a citation in the mail which will include instructions on how to view the driving offense online.

"You can actually go there with the number they'll give you, your code, and you can punch it in and you can look at your violation there."

Foley says the system calls for behind the scenes administrative work that will require the hiring of some part-time positions.

"A lot of people want to address their fine schedules or if they want to contest their citation we need to set up those types of procedures for them. Have people take the phone calls for them. Have a hearing officer," Foley said.

The staffing and fining schedules will all be addressed in future legislation by city council.

Ohio's Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that speed cameras are legal; however no points can be added to a violator's license nor can a license be suspended through the system.