Council Bluffs Traffic Cameras (Des Moines, Davenport: house, live in, legal)

[Omaha Rocks]

I'm finding out some "interesting" facts about the traffic cameras that Council Bluffs has set up on Broadway.

First and foremost, these are incredible money makers for the city. In the first week they were installed, there were over $9,000 in citations sent out.

Second, the City of Council Bluffs has intentionally shortened the timing of the yellow lights. State standards are 3 seconds in a 25 mph zone, on up to 6+ seconds for highway speed. Council Bluffs has the yellow lights timed at well under 3 seconds in a 35 mph zone.

Second, they are a traffic hazard. It has been repeatedly shown that where cities install these traffic cameras and shorten the yellow lights, there are more traffic accidents.

Third, the Iowa ACLU challenged the constitutionality of such lights and won. They are illegal. In addition, the Iowa Senate - in amendment 3248 - banned the use of these cameras.


Just how flagrantly STUPID & GREEDY are the members of the Council Bluffs City Council?

[majorcyfan]

Originally Posted by Omaha Rocks

I'm finding out some "interesting" facts about the traffic cameras that Council Bluffs has set up on Broadway.

First and foremost, these are incredible money makers for the city. In the first week they were installed, there were over $9,000 in citations sent out.

Second, the City of Council Bluffs has intentionally shortened the timing of the yellow lights. State standards are 3 seconds in a 25 mph zone, on up to 6+ seconds for highway speed. Council Bluffs has the yellow lights timed at well under 3 seconds in a 35 mph zone.

Second, they are a traffic hazard. It has been repeatedly shown that where cities install these traffic cameras and shorten the yellow lights, there are more traffic accidents.

Third, the Iowa ACLU challenged the constitutionality of such lights and won. They are illegal. In addition, the Iowa Senate - in amendment 3248 - banned the use of these cameras.


Just how flagrantly STUPID & GREEDY are the members of the Council Bluffs City Council?

Doubt that they are illegal, maybe you should check with W Des Moines and Clive, where I believe cameras are in use still. Been challenged and lost as I recall.

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by majorcyfan

Doubt that they are illegal, maybe you should check with W Des Moines and Clive, where I believe cameras are in use still. Been challenged and lost as I recall.

What became of this senate amendment?

[SIZE=2]Senate Amendment 3248

Amend House File 793, as amended, passed, and reprinted by the House, as follows:

#1. Page 7, by inserting after line 11 the following:
"Sec. . NEW SECTION. 321.258A RED LIGHT CAMERAS PROHIBITED.

The department or a local authority shall not place or cause to be placed on or adjacent to a highway, or maintain or employ the use of, a red light camera.

For purposes of this section, "red light camera" means a device installed on or in proximity to an official traffic control signal to produce recorded images for the purpose of enforcement of traffic laws.

#2. Title page, line 12, by inserting after the word "liability," the following: "use of red light cameras for traffic enforcement,".

#3. By renumbering as necessary.[/SIZE]

[QuadCityImages]

Apparently nothing, because Davenport fought the the legal system for 2 years before finally being allowed to fire up our speed and red light cameras. Shortening the yellow lights, if true, is pretty messed up though.

[todd00]

they really arent concerned with safety, its all about an easily way for cities to make some big bucks. thats the part that bothers me the most.

[Omaha Rocks]

Yet another reason why so many people absolutely hate Council Bluffs. It's kind of the ingrown hair in the armpit of Iowa.

[EastCB]

Let's don't get nasty about Council Bluffs. I live there and that is an insult.

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by EastCB

Let's don't get nasty about Council Bluffs. I live there and that is an insult.

Perhaps you should talk to your city council about their filthy little money scheme they've got going on with those traffic cameras. They're obviously unconcerned about public safety, to the point where they'll sacrifice it for the sake of money.


FWIW, my wife's family lives in Council Bluffs. But honestly, this is the kind of stupid redneck crap that makes non-CB people hate the town. It really is.

[EastCB]

Whatever, you are about as ignorant as they come. Redneck? I lived in Omaha and tru;st me this is much better.

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by EastCB

Whatever, you are about as ignorant as they come. Redneck? I lived in Omaha and tru;st me this is much better.

Yes, redneck. I'm from neither CB or Omaha, but now live in Omaha.

There is a reason that CB is referred to as one giant trailer park, known as Counciltucky - where the squirrels are black and the trash is white.

What's more, my extended relatives in CB are flagrant racists.


So... Sorry to break it to you, but CB is its own worst enema - ooops, I mean enemy.