Speed cameras in Cedar Rapids.
The chiefs of police in Iowa’s two largest cities are praising a “middle of the road” approach to traffic enforcement cameras. Yesterday, a bill that would ban traffic cameras cleared its first hurdle in the senate.
Today, another bill that would allow the cameras, but direct the traffic fines to road maintenance has emerged from a subcommittee.
Senator Dan Zumbach, a Republican from Ryan, is working on the legislation.
Zumbach, who is a farmer, has driven semi loads of grain through downtown Cedar Rapids on Interstate-380 for two decades and he appreciates the speed cameras that are placed there.
Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert says the traffic cameras along Interstate 235 that cuts through Des Moines are placed because of design issues, too.
One senator who supports traffic cameras suggests the pending legislation could require a warning, not a fine, the first time a vehicle is caught on camera running a red light or speeding.