Oskaloosa May Consider Speed Cameras After Safety Study
Adrian Pingstone/Wikipedia
OSKALOOSA, IA — The Oskaloosa City Council is approaching an idea to install speed cameras, particularly around school zones. In a recent statement, the Mayor of Oskaloosa emphasized that the city is primarily focused on collecting data to understand local traffic patterns.
“We were approached by a company selling traffic cameras,” the Mayor explained, “They offered to study traffic behaviors, especially around schools like William Penn and the Christian School. The findings showed a lot of excessive speeding where our children are.”
Traffic camera companies make their money off of each ticket issued, up to 50% of the issued ticket.
This revelation comes amid broader discussions in Iowa about using speed cameras. In Prairie City, speed cameras have generated substantial revenue, with $3.2 million accrued since fiscal year 2020. Despite these figures, Krutzfeldt assured that Oskaloosa’s current interest lies in data collection rather than revenue generation.
“Right now, it’s all about the data. There’s no recommendation being made,” the Mayor stated, addressing concerns about speed cameras within the city limits of Oskaloosa.
However, the topic of speed cameras remains contentious in Iowa. Critics argue that these cameras focus more on generating revenue than improving safety. The ACLU of Iowa has pointed out that traffic cameras often result in unfair ticketing practices with little impact on public safety.
The debate in Oskaloosa is set against a backdrop of mixed public perception and legal challenges statewide. While some see speed cameras as necessary for safety, especially in school zones, others view them as intrusive and financially motivated.
As the city continues to deliberate, Krutzfeldt’s stance is clear: “There’s really nothing more than just a study of data. At this point, there’s no planning. I hope that that settles that.”
Oskaloosa’s State Senator Adrian Dickey, in his most recent constituent update, stated, “I will be using my position as Vice Chairman in the Transportation committee to BAN what I call “revenue generators,” or what many local governments refer to as speed cameras. These devices are nothing more than a tax placed on individuals, the majority of whom don’t live in that community, to act as Santa Claus to pay for wish lists for their community!”
With the council still waiting to decide, the future of speed cameras in Oskaloosa remains uncertain, reflecting the ongoing debate over their role in Iowa’s cities.
