Des Moines, IA- A bill to ban traffic enforcement cameras and require motorists to use smartphones in hands-free mode while driving is eligible for debate in the Iowa legislature.
Radio Iowa reports that the bill passed the House Transportation Committee on an 11 to 10 vote Wednesday. Some say the two issues should be separated, while others oppose the ban on traffic cameras. Committee chairman Brian Best of Glidden says he hopes to craft a compromise.
“Sometimes in the political world…things we do don’t make sense completely,” Best said, “but, at the same time….my ears are open.”
Law enforcement officials are raising concerns about a ban on traffic cameras, along with continuing to allow motorists to use their cell phones while driving if they’re talking or using the phone for navigation.
Johnston Police Chief Dennis McDaniel is president of the Iowa Police Chiefs Association.
We’re going to partner with our legislators to find common ground…to take two totally separate traffic safety initiatives and make it safer for Iowans,” he says. “We believe that the hands-free legislation can be likely strengthened to make it a safety option and an easier option that creates commonality for motorists across Iowa.”
Law enforcement officials say they are open to state regulation of traffic cameras but oppose an outright ban on automated traffic enforcement technology.
