Answers: Traffic Cameras

The Cedar Rapids traffic enforcement cameras have drawn criticism from the public for being unfair or a money-making tool for the city. At the same time, crash statistics in the city have improved while the devices have been in use. With both those factors in mind, what would you change, if anything, with the Cedar Rapids traffic enforcement camera program?

FROM OUR INBOX

Some cities are kind enough to send a warning ticket to 'out of Linn County” visitors. Tell them, 'Thanks for visiting our city of Cedar Rapids, and we hope you'll observe the speed limit and camera signs during your next visit.” Maybe this would encourage them to return, rather than them having negative feelings about the ticket and our city.

George and Connie Steele

Cedar Rapids

Stop being a scofflaw. Make the cameras legal. Move them back. Speeders are no more illegal than the camera placements. Since the city claims the cameras are a safety issue, not moneymakers, donate the generated fines to the Red Cross or Salvation Army or some legitimate charity.

Steve Singleton

Hiawatha

I support the speed cameras on I-380 because I have seen how their presence has changed driving behavior. The traffic stream through the downtown S-curve now averages 55-60 mph. Stay with the traffic stream and you won't get ticketed. Simple. How do camera opponents propose achieving the same reduction in traffic speeds?

Jeff Klinzman

Coralville

The two cameras that are too close to speed limit signs should be moved. Other cameras should stay. They help nake Cedar Rapids safer, especially on the S-curve. No deaths on that piece of road has sold me on their value.

Martha Troxel

Cedar Rapids

The solution to the real problem is really simple - don't speed. But we know that is not going to happen so a tool like the traffic camera is needed, especially in high speed areas and proven dangerous intersections.

Terry Barschow

Marion

The cameras have clearly saved lives. Don't change anything except move them (or the signs) the few hundred feet needed to comply with the latest state laws.

Karen Ingwersen

Cedar Rapids

FROM FACEBOOK

' Dan L.: I would add more red light cameras, but remove the speed cameras that are not compliant with the DOT. Also, refund the money to people who were cited at those two out-of-compliance speed cameras.

' Rick N.: The number of accidents and fatalities are decreasing across the state. That's a fact. The speed cameras on 380 only slow people in the general vicinity of the cameras. Drivers slow down when they approach the cameras, then speed back up until they reach the next set of cameras, where they once again slow down. Donate the money to non-profits or send it to the state.

' Kathy H.: I would change where the money is going from the cameras. Also, initiate a monthly report on how much money was made and where the money went.

' Mitch B.: Is the assumption that the cameras have made the city safer? What if there are less accidents due to roads being repaired, new generation cars getting safer and flood buildings being torn down causing better visibility?

' Jeff P.: If the city government does not have to follow the law, why are we expected to?

' Chuck W.: The cameras need to stay.

' John S.: Drive the posted speed limit, driving is a privilege not a right.

' Margaret C.: Making sure they are legally located and mounted would be a good start!

' KayCee S.: Traffic is not safer as a result of cameras. The interstate is a nightmare, just as it was before the cameras.