Why I Oppose Speed Cameras: 2/9 Zaun Report

The issue of speeding cameras is back at the Capitol and gaining ground as several dozen bills have been filed in the House and the Senate.  The bills address different aspects of the issue and vary from an outright ban to simply changing where the collected money can be distributed. 

Last year, I sponsored a bill for an outright ban. This year, the issue is front and center after Gov. Branstad publicly declared that he would sign a bill banning the cameras if it ever came to his desk.  The House Transportation Committee passed their version of a bill banning traffic cameras and now the bill goes onto the House calendar, awaiting scheduled debate.  

Safety versus income remains at the heart of the matter.  Do the cameras truly protect citizens’ safety or are they simply a money-making machine padding the community coffers?  The cameras are expensive to install, maintain and repair and there are no camera companies from Iowa, most are foreign based. 

I have learned so much during this process and have heard from hundreds of Iowans across the state in regards to this issue.

I have many concerns about these cameras and believe they are primarily about money generation rather than public safety. Several scenarios have been communicated to me that are troubling. As an example, I had someone contact me that had their car repaired at a shop and the mechanic took the car for a test drive. The next thing the owner saw in the mail was a violation sent to him that was the responsibility of the owner to pay, not the person test driving the car.

I see a rising trend among cities using these cameras without any regulations. Cities contract with companies to install these cameras at no up-front expense for the purchase of the equipment. In turn, cities then pay these camera companies a cut in revenue generated. The cut in some cases is up to 50%, but varies from city to city. There are six cities that have been caught shortening yellow light times for profit from as close as Springfield, Missouri. 

In our country you are innocent until proven guilty. With traffic enforcement cameras there is little due process. I believe these cameras are a start to privatization of law enforcement and I believe this undermines the sanctity of the state criminal traffic code. 

Let me explain to you what is being proposed in Windsor Heights.

It has been conservatively estimated that the new proposed cameras on I-235 would create $5,124,600 in fines with $2,972,113 going to Gatso (the camera company) which is a 58% cut. This is considering that Gatso will invest $800,000 which is the cost to install the cameras. (This data was provided by the City of Windsor Heights at their Traffic Safety Town Hall Forum on December 14, 2012) THIS IS A 272% RETURN ON INVESTMENT IN ONE YEAR! 

I want to make myself clear. I don’t believe in breaking traffic laws and I can see where in some instances the cameras provide an increase in public safety. However, how much freedom are we willing to give up for safety? This topic is definitely worth further discussion and debate.

Talk to Your Legislator

There are three public forums set in Urbandale with my friend, Rep. Scott Raecker. The forums are sponsored by the great Urbandale Chamber and will take place at 2900 Justin Drive, Suite L. on the following dates:

Saturday, February 25 - 10:30 am to noon
Saturday, March 31 - 10:30 am to noon
Saturday, April 28 - 10:30 am to noon

I will be attending a forum with my friend, Rep. Janet Petersen, at Christopher’s restaurant, located at 2816 Beaver Ave. in Des Moines, Saturday, February 25 at 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

Please join me when you can. If you cannot attend please email me at brad.zaun@legis.iowa.gov or call 515-281-3371. I am always interested in your opinion and it is truly an honor to serve you!