Marion traffic cameras now working at 2 intersections

MARION -- Traffic cameras at two intersections in Marion have been installed and officially went live Friday for a 30-day warning period, according to a news release from the city of Marion.

The cameras are at the intersection of Highway 100 and East Post Road and the intersection of Highways 13 and 151.

The original goal was to have them up and running by July 1, but the city hit a delay with permitting on signage for the cameras, according to the police department.

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Drivers caught on camera going more than 11 mph over the speed limit or running a red light will receive a warning in the mail for the first 30 days the cameras are live.

After that, violations will result in a citation mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

If a driver doesn’t respond to a citation, a second notice will be sent out seven days later. After another 14 days, if the citation hasn’t been paid, it will be sent to a collections agency, according to an update from the city in June.

A mobile camera unit also will be placed in areas throughout the city to monitor for speeding. The mobile unit will be used based on citizen complaints, and the police department will post information about its location on its Facebook page at least 12 hours before it is deployed.

The Marion City Council approved an ordinance allowing for the use of traffic cameras in the city in April, and approved the contract for the cameras in May. The city is contracting with Sensys Gatso, the same company that operates the traffic cameras in Cedar Rapids.

There is no upfront cost to the city of Marion for the cameras, but Sensys Gato will receive $35 from every paid citation made through the traffic cameras. The initial contract will last five years, but may be extended after that on a two-year basis.

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