If an Iowa state lawmaker gets his way, highway work zones throughout the state will soon have cameras posted to nab speeders.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has concerns about focusing solely on the speed of vehicles in work zones to solve safety worries.

Rep. Wesley Whitehead, D-Sioux City, is the sponsor of a bill that would place traffic cameras in work zones on interstate and primary highways. State public safety and transportation officials would be charged with the task of outfitting the stretches of roadway with the traffic enforcement devices, as well as warning signs to deter speeders.

The automated cameras snap pictures of vehicles traveling over the posted speed limit. A ticket is mailed to the vehicles’ owners, regardless of who was driving at the time.

Currently, there is no law in Iowa regulating photo enforcement. However, there are several communities that have local ordinances permitting red-light cameras.

Supporters say the speed cameras encourage compliance with the law and save lives by reducing collisions, but the Iowa Department of Public Safety isn’t convinced the time and effort to install and run the program in affected work zones is worth it. The agency cites the estimated $10 million cost to buy and place equipment.

Opponents say speed cameras are an unwarranted intrusion. Others question the claim that cameras are solely intended to keep people safe.

Todd Spencer, OOIDA’s executive vice president, said the state of Iowa would be better served to focus their attention on other aspects of driving in work zones than solely focusing on speeding.

“Speeding in work zones isn’t what actually causes accidents. Driving carelessly or recklessly is what causes accidents. That is where the focus of enforcement should be,” Spencer told Land Line.

Spencer also said it is unrealistic to build speed cameras up to be a “catch all” for highway safety.

The bill – SF2053 – is in a subcommittee of the House Public Safety Committee.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Iowa, click here.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to statelegislativedesk@ooida.com.