Traffic cameras coming to Des Moines

Des Moines is following in Cedar Rapids' footsteps as it prepares to activate new red-light cameras and a mobile speed camera next week.

“It could be a day or two after that, but right now we're looking at June 1,” Police Capt. Doug Harvey said.

The city will issue warning tickets for 30 days after the automated system is activated. After that, actual tickets will be issued.

The five locations where red-light cameras will begin monitoring behavior are East 15th and Maple streets; 19th Street and University Avenue; Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and School Street; Southeast Fifth Street and East Army Post Road; and Ninth Street and Grand Avenue.

Red-light cameras record each violation on video. When vehicle owners receive tickets, they can see the footage of the alleged violations online or at the police traffic office, officials said.

Aside from Cedar Rapids, several other Iowa cities have traffic cameras. The City Council in Fort Dodge this week approved their use around the city, according to the Associated Press.

But use of the technology has sparked debate. Many drivers are troubled about camera-driven speed enforcement and wonder whether government agencies are more interested in raising revenue than improving highway safety.

Others contend the practice raises civil-rights issues.

The Des Moines City Council approved an ordinance in 2009 that allows the cameras.

In July, the council voted to award a contract for the cameras to Gatso USA Inc. of Beverly, Mass. Gatso - which also handles Cedar Rapids' camera system - will provide the cameras and process citations. The city and contractor will share revenue.