House passes bill limiting revenue from Iowa traffic cameras

Cities using cameras to enforce traffic laws would have new restrictions on them under a measure overwhelmingly approved by the House on Wednesday.

Five cities in the state have installed the cameras to cite motorists who run red lights or speed. Under the measure approved on an 89 to 8 vote, the maximum fine for a red light violation would be $50, roughly half of what most cities charge. The fine for speeders wouldn't change, remaining in a range depending on the infraction. Cities couldn't charge court costs for either type of violation under the measure.

Backers of the restrictions say the cameras are intended to enhance traffic safety and that cities shouldn't use them as a new way to bring in money.

"We've tried to bring some consistency to the state," said Rep. Ralph Watts, R-Adel, the main backer of the measure. "Some are looking at it as a revenue source."

The measure now goes to the Senate.

Traffic cameras currently are in use in Clive, Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, though other cities are considering installing them. Under the measure, cities would be required to post signs warning motorists that the automated cameras are being used. All the cities hire vendors to run the program, and divide the revenue with them.

Tickets issued by using cameras don't count against a driving record, because the citation is issued to the owner of the car, not necessarily the driver.

Watts argued that the $50 cost of a red light ticket is roughly the cost of running the system and cities shouldn't make a profit from the cameras. Red light fines currently range from $107.25 in Council Bluffs to $65 in Davenport. Most red light fines are around $100.

Clive collected $769,000 in red light fines last year, while Council Bluffs collected $1.62 million in red lights fines issued through cameras.

Rep. Scott Raecker, R-Urbandale, said he opposed the use of the cameras. He said some motorists might react erratically upon learning they were being filmed.

"There are a whole host of safety concerns that I have," said Raecker.

Backers say cities should be free to devise their own method of enforcing traffic laws, and argue that statistics show that traffic safety improves when drivers know they are being watched. Watts said 25 states allow the use of automatic cameras.

The measure requires cities that are using the automated cameras to file an annual report on the accident rate. Cities argue they use the money generated by the cameras for additional traffic safety efforts, such as increasing police presence.