Many traffic cameras go dark, but questions remain

Iowa lawmakers gave the Department of Transportation the authority to permit or deny the use of automated traffic enforcement cameras to target speeders. Instead of wielding a scalpel, the DOT took a machete to camera programs across the state.

Of 348 requests from communities seeking to use speed cameras, the DOT approved just 154. After receiving applications for 139 fixed camera placements, only 11 were approved. Under the law, the rejected cameras mut be shut down by 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Local camera systems were affected.

The DOT denied permits for two of Cedar Rapids’ four I-380 speed camera locations — northbound at J Avenue and southbound at First Avenue. Both cameras monitored speed as motorists departed the S-curve downtown. Both were deemed “not necessary” by transportation officials.

In Marion, the DOT rejected all five requests from for fixed cameras, including cameras installed in 2023 2023 at Highway 100 and East Post Road; and Highway 13 and Highway 151. Marion did receive approval for mobile speed cameras at 29 sites. The city had applied for 54.

So, what now? Cities can appeal, but even if they win, they can’t receive a permit until 2026.

In Cedar Rapids, proceeds largely from I-380 speed cameras were expected to generate $7.2 million revenue during the current fiscal year. A large chunk of the money pays for 41 police officer positions. The northbound J Avenue camera issued more than 45,000 citations in 2023, making it the second-most prolific speed catcher.

How the lost revenue will affect the public safety budget hasn’t been publicly discussed.

In Marion, the fixed cameras rejected as speed cameras can remain in operation as red-light cameras. Ninety-nine percent of the 9,186 citations issued during the last year by the cameras at Highway 13 and Highway 151 were a result of red-light violations. The red-light share is 75% for the Highway 100 and East Post Road installation.

But the DOT action will make it harder for Marion to place its mobile units in areas requested by nearby residents. The camera system will be less responsive to community concerns.

We’ve never been loud cheerleaders for the camera program. But in Cedar Rapids, besides a few fits and starts and court battles, the cameras have been in place for 14 years. Local voters haven’t tossed anyone out of office who supports the cameras. Nor have any candidates won on a loud, anti-camera agenda.

So it’s another instance where the state knows better than local leaders. Local control is in tatters after years of strong-arm state laws passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Legislative critics complain about the revenue being collected. But surely lawmakers who “Back the Blue” don’t want to threaten dollars being spent to beef up law enforcement.

Can communities still keep the cameras running, not to cite speeders, but to continue gathering traffic data?

And will this make Iowa’s roadways any safer? S-curve accidents have declined, and police can avoid the risks of stopping vehicles within the curves. But the DOT says two I-380 are not necessary. We’d liked to see a more detailed explanation.

This law is preferable to a total camera ban. But its true cost has yet to be revealed.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com