Don’t kill CR speed cameras

It seems our Iowa G.O.P. legislature can’t stop looking for ways to make us less safe, whether it’s writing crazy gun laws or moving state park rangers out of their on-park housing. Now they’re back on an old favorite cause, traffic cameras. If they can’t ban the cameras, they can try to legislate them into ineffectiveness.

If you don’t think speeding is a problem, you probably never get out on our streets and roads, or you just choose to deny the obvious. CRPD Chief Jerman has provided facts and figures to lawmakers which show the effectiveness of the cameras in saving lives.

The proposed legislation in H.F. 173 would prevent the city from installing speed and red light cameras in places where they’re needed, such as Collins Rd. and Hwy 151, unless state-approved (and do you believe that’s going to happen?). The Feb. 16 Gazette article mentioned that the amount of civil fine would be limited. That’s true: the amount couldn’t exceed 5 percent of the scheduled fine.

The cameras do bring in a lot of money, especially given the generous 11 mph allowance over the speed limit. This should be looked at as an indication of the magnitude of the problem. A significant fine is the only deterrent to speeding and red light violations. There aren’t enough police officers to provide needed coverage, and there are many times and places where traffic stops cannot be safely made. Cameras are the only effective measure to combat the problem.

Jerry Chilton

Cedar Rapids