[Omaha Rocks]

So I've found out - due to my daughter getting a violation - that Council Bluffs has installed numerous Red Light Cameras.

Since then, I've done a little investigating.

First of all, they are illegal. According to the Iowa Senate Amendment #3248, they are simply illegal. Following is its exact wording:
"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."

Several years ago, the Iowa ACLU (in a rare moment of doing something intelligent) challenged these traffic cameras and WON.

So not only are these traffic cameras illegal, Council Bluffs has actually shortened the time of the yellow warning lights in order to "snag" more people at red lights. Iowa DOT recommendations are for a 3 second yellow light, in a 25 mph zone, on up to 6 seconds in higher speed zones. The City of Council Bluffs has these yellow lights timed to well under 3 seconds on Broadway.

Also, it has been proven that shortening yellow lights and placing red light cameras actually INCREASES the number of accidents at intersections.


This leads to the inevitable conclusion that the members of the Council Bluffs City Council are idiots who care more about making money for the city than about public safety.

[dsrich98]

If this is all true, I'd say you're right.

I don't think there is any reason for red light cameras other than to make money.