Public fines intended to promote compliance

The Iowa Legislature has introduced SF 129, an act prohibiting the use of speed cameras. This topic is a passionate subject with several points on both sides of the issue.

Regardless, the speed cameras along Interstate 380 in Cedar Rapids have influenced driving behavior. I support speed cameras and encourage their expansion on I-380 from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City.

Technology and “big brother” are everywhere. Every bank and Walmart, Target, Sears and shopping mall has cameras. Most employers have parking lot cameras. Smile at every ATM, you are on camera. Cedar Rapids even requires every convenience store to have a camera.

Public fines are structured to hopefully change public behavior and to collect revenue. The public library charges a fine for overdue books; the city and state charge a fine for late taxes; the city utility fines for late bills; the city issues fines if I do not shovel my driveway or mow my yard; the city and state charge a fine for speeding. The city even charges a parking fine without me being in the car, without representation, without knowledge of who drove the car (sounds just like a ticket from the traffic camera).

Speed cameras are not big brother.

Jeffrey J. Schaefer

Cedar Rapids