The Iowa Department of Transportation has rejected a majority of applications to continue speed camera programs in cities across the state based on a new state law that requires state-issued permits for automated traffic enforcement.

Iowa communities will now have to apply for a permit from the state’s Department of Transportation to operate traffic cameras per a new state law, reports Katarina Sostaric for Iowa Public Radio.
“Cities and counties have to prove to the state that their traffic cameras that automatically issue speeding tickets are appropriate, necessary and the least restrictive way to address traffic safety at those locations,” Sostaric adds.
Of 348 requests to use traffic cameras across the state, 154 were approved at both fixed and mobile locations. Just 11 of 139 requests for fixed cameras were approved to continue operating. “Eighteen of the 28 communities that applied for a permit were fully denied. Only one city — Fort Dodge — had all of its cameras approved. Nine cities total got to keep some of their cameras.”
Prairie City Mayor Chad Alleger said he doesn’t understand the state’s decision to deny speed cameras to his city, saying, “We have the data to show that we have reduced speed out on [highway] 163 and in front of the school. So I don’t understand the explanation of ‘not necessary,’ because it proves that it is working.” The mayor pointed out that the city uses revenue from traffic camera citations to fund special projects such as a new library and firefighting facilities.
The new law requires posted signs notifying drivers of cameras and prohibits issuing tickets for drivers going less than ten miles over the speed limit.
FULL STORY: Most of Iowa’s fixed traffic cameras must be turned off as DOT implements new law

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie