Village: ATV use becoming a problem

Ryan Terrell

That next ride on your ATV could require a trip to the ATM machine.

The Village of Homer Glen and the Will County Sheriff's Office are warning residents with all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles to stay off private property if they want to avoid a $750 fine.

Will County Sheriff's Office Lt. Jeff McKenzie said police have ticketed four riders, on both four-wheelers and snowmobiles, in the past month for trespassing on private property, notably property owned by ComEd underneath the transmission towers.

"[Trespassing on ATV's] has been an ongoing problem for several years in the village and within the last month we've had numerous complaints with illegal ATV's trespassing on private property," McKenzie said, adding that the sheriff's office has an agreement in place with ComEd to issue trespassing complaints.

In addition to a $750 fine, riders will also have their ATV or snowmobile towed, which costs an additional $175.

Homer Glen Trustee George Yukich said residents have been calling the Village regarding safety concerns related to ATV and snowmobile riders.

"We've had mothers call us up telling us there children were nearly hit with these things while out sledding" Yukich said. "[ATV's and snowmobiles] only belong in certain places. People are getting careless and if it doesn't change someone is going to get hurt really bad."

Yukich said the topic was discussed a recent meeting of the Homer Glen Public Safety and Services Committee.

McKenzie reminded riders that use of ATV's or snowmobiles is also illegal on the roadways.

"As long as people are being responsible and are on their own property then there's no problem with riding them," he said.

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Source: http://www.homerhorizon.com/Articles-c-2010-03-23-205609.114133_Village_ATV_use_becoming_a_problem.html

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