The Iowa Department of Transportation released its review of automated speed and red light cameras and it recommends removing at least one cameras from each of the six cities. The D-O-T’s director of traffic and safety, Steve Gent, has been overseeing the process.
He says one camera that had been taken down in Sioux City during construction will not be allowed to be reinstalled. The cameras have been at the center of controversy since they began operating, as they bring in millions of dollars to the cities. The D-O-T created rules in February of 2014 to govern the cameras that are placed on state highways. Gent says the goal was to ensure the camera were being used as a tool to increase the safety on the roadways.
Cedar Rapids was asked to remove cameras in three locations and make modifications to other cameras. Des Moines Council Bluffs, Muscatine and Davenport were each asked to remove cameras. Sioux City was asked to remove cameras in two locations along with the one that will not be reinstalled.
