Speed cameras could be coming to Polk County rural roads

Speed cameras could soon in business along high-traveled roads in rural Polk County.

The Des Moines Register says county supervisors approved a plan on Tuesday to let administrators begin drawing up a contract with a company that supplies cameras at no charge to the city of Des Moines.

Sheriff Bill McCarthy wants to target speeders with camera-generated fines. Last week, he outlined plans for two or three mobile cameras that could be parked on busy highways or loaned to smaller towns.

Officials say installation would cost the county nothing but staff time, but the company, Gatso USA, would end up with a share of the fines.

Administrators will now work with lawyers to draft contracts and ordinances. Plans could be finalized this summer.