Traffic Camera Ban Could Come Up for Debate Next Week

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

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By Belinda Yeung

Story Created: Feb 4, 2012 at 2:20 AM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 4, 2012 at 2:20 AM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa- A bill to ban all the red light and speed cameras in Iowa cities could go up for debate in the full Iowa House as early as next week. But top legislative leaders aren’t exactly sure what will happen.

Members of the House Transportation committee voted on Thursday to approve the bill that bans all enforcement cameras.

Cedar Rapids installed the first automated traffic enforcement cameras in March 2010. There are now 11 fixed camera locations around the city that generated nearly $8.8-million dollars in revenue to date.

When the first of the cameras went up in Cedar Rapids nearly two years ago, it was a controversial move. You can still hear lots of “big brother” complaints like the one voice by Cedar Rapids motorist Kjas Long Friday afternoon.

“I think the majority of people are opposed to it, it’s just a disguised tax,” Long said.

But some have come to appreciate the way the cameras have tamed traffic on urban portions of I-380. And driver Janet Watt expressed that viewpoint.

“I think everybody knows where they are and they accept it and it’s a good thing,” she said.

Last year, opponents of automated cameras in the legislature concentrated on clearer warning signs and a cap on the amount of fines. This time, the push is on for simply outlawing the cameras with an effective date of July 1st.

Rep. Kraig Paulsen, the House Speaker from Hiawatha, isn’t sure how many would support banning cameras in the full House. He does think Governor Branstad’s comments that he would sign such a bill will have an impact.

“Obviously him saying he’ll sign something generally gives it a little more life or energy. This governor or any other governor–this issue or any other issue,” Paulsen said.

However, Senator Rob Hogg, a Cedar Rapids Democrat, doesn’t think a ban would get far in the Senate.

“This is an issue of local control. Cities and counties should be able to do this. There is nothing in the law that prohibits them. The courts have ruled on that, and second, it has documented public safety benefits,” Hogg said.

Both lawmakers agree this is an issue that’s grabbed the public’s attention. But if that translates into a bill that reaches the governor’s desk is still anyone’s guess.

Next Article Cedar Rapids Community Leaders, Police Work to Curb Summer Crime

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