Iowa lawmakers, keep your hands of speed cameras

Once again, Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Ubandale, has come out in favor of lawbreakers, introducing a bill to outright ban the use of traffic cameras. Like other politicians who cater to those who feel they have the right to drive at whatever speed they like, he trumpets the “revenue” issue. Yes, the cameras do produce a great deal of money for the agencies that employ them. What should be clear, even to Zaun, that it’s evidence of the magnitude of the speeding problem.

There are times and places that make traffic stops by law enforcement impractical except for the most egregious circumstances. Some people realize this, and endanger the rest of us by ignoring the speed limits or red lights. In these cases, cameras are the only means of dealing with violators. There are other excuses the camera opponents use, and none of them, in my opinion, are valid. When anyone exceeds the generous leeway given, they deserve a citation.

Jerry Chilton

Cedar Rapids