1/9/2007

Iowa: Court Decision Slows Red Light Camera Advance
Sioux City, Iowa halts deployment of photo enforcement while it considers effect of the Davenport court decision against cameras.

Cities in Iowa are thinking twice before installing red light cameras and speed cameras after a district court ruling last week (view ruling) found the devices violated state law. On Monday, the Sioux City council voted to delay installation of an automated ticketing system while it considered the decision's ramifications. The council had just approved a contract with Australian camera vendor Redflex on December 28.

"I think the consensus of the council right now is to delay further action," Mayor Craig Berenstein said, as reported in the Sioux City Journal.

Davenport officials face a class action lawsuit that could force the city to refund $1.2 million in fines issued to 16,878 people. Although this case technically does not bind other cities, it is likely to be heard by the state supreme court. If the high court agrees with the Scott County judge, automated ticketing would cease throughout Iowa.

The Sioux City council will hold a closed door meeting to consider further options.