New school zone signals funded by traffic cameras

Revenue generated by traffic cameras has paid for new signage and flashing signals for school zones in Cedar Rapids, officials announced Monday.

More than 700 new signs and 37 yellow flashing signals have been installed near schools in Cedar Rapids, including four signs that show drivers how fast they are traveling. The new signage replaces the saying "When Children are Present" with "When Flashing," which officials hope will reduce confusion for drivers and make enforcement easier.

Most schools begin fall classes this week.

The cost of the project, covered completely by traffic camera tickets, was approximately $250,000. Police said they will again use the red "Speed Jeep" -- which can be parked in various locations to photograph speeders -- to enforce school zones this year. Locations where the jeep will be parked are updated on the police department's website, at www.cedar-rapids.org/police.

In school zones were flashing signals were not installed, the speed limits were changed to permanent 25 mph zones. The changes put the city in compliance with current standards in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.