The Iowa Department of Transportation this week rejected permit applications for most of the automated traffic enforcement cameras used to catch speeding around the state, but the rejected cameras can still be used for red light enforcement.
The Cedar Rapids cameras that were denied permits issued more than 64,000 citations in 2023; city leaders have not yet said how they will replace funding from citations that supports police positions
The DOT on Monday approved only 11 fixed automated traffic enforcement cameras across the state while denying requests for 128 others
Changes to Iowa’s special education system, regulations on consumable hemp and new procedures for traffic cameras are set to take effect July 1.
A new bipartisan law would regulate the technology
A new state law requires Iowa local governments to obtain a permit to continue using automated traffic enforcement cameras beyond Oct. 1
Listen to a recap of this week in Iowa politics with journalists from The Gazette and Lee papers
The new law does not ban traffic cameras, but does require communities to provide data-driven proof that they are needed to increase traffic safety
Speeding convictions in Iowa rose in 2023, but still were down about 17 percent from a decade ago -- a decline that some law enforcement officials believe isn’t due to drivers speeding any less, but rather reduced enforcement as agencies cope with staff shortages and increased workloads.
Cities would be required to apply for a state permit to operate automated traffic enforcement cameras, and spend ticket revenue on public safety or transportation infrastructure.
On the podcast this week: the future of abortion access in Iowa, an AEA bill redo, traffic camera restrictions green lit
Under the bill, cities with existing systems like Cedar Rapids would need to apply for approval but could continue using the cameras until the request is processed.
Cedar Rapids' police chief joined other law enforcement officials in the state in advocating support for proposed legislation that would regulate the use of automated traffic enforcement cameras on interstates and highways across the state.
The city of University Heights is working to install speed enforcement cameras on Melrose Avenue and Koser Avenue, the two main east/west thoroughfares through the city, which is surrounded by Iowa City.
Police support bill that would require state approval before cities install devices
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