Revive vehicle inspections in Iowa

Adam Sullivan's recent column ('Stop stops to restore trust in police,” Nov. 10) argues that conflicts between motorists and police following stops for broken taillights etc. that can turn violent, should be stopped and police should devote time to more important issues. This might be a good reason to return to a vehicle inspection program that would remove the 'junkers” from the roads, reducing the need for 'stops” while simultaneously allowing for a check of vehicle registration, insurance, ownership and even evidence of illegal drugs.

I believe vehicle inspections in Iowa stopped in the 80s which seems to correspond to when 'junkers” became a common sight. Inspection works in Europe while accomplishing the other controls mentioned while improving vehicle safety. I know Germany has data to support this so it would be interesting to know if Iowa has similar data. Furthermore, vehicle inspection is a lucrative business for municipalities and auto repair shops. Everyone but the irresponsible win.

J.E. Butler

Iowa City