University Heights has had to put plans for speed enforcement cameras on ice because of new state regulations around traffic cameras.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new law in May 2024 that required local governments to apply to keep their current traffic cameras or install new ones. The law also states that the Iowa Department of Transportation can approve or deny the applications based on several criteria.

According to The Cedar Rapids Gazette, University Heights was moving ahead with the installation of two traffic cameras on Melrose and Koser avenues in March. However, city officials said these plans have come to a halt because of the new law.

Chris Akers, University Heights’ police chief, said the city falls short on a number of criteria required on the application.

One of the pitfalls for the city is that the new rules state that any camera installed on or after Jan. 1, 2024, could not be issued a permit until July 1, 2026. Additionally, the rules state that the city applying for a camera must have a population of 20,000 or more. University Heights’ population is a little over 1,200, Akers said.

Because of these challenges, University Heights has not officially installed or applied for any traffic cameras and is just monitoring the situation, Akers said.

“Until the [Iowa Department of Transportation] is challenged, if that’s possible, we’re between a rock and a hard place,” Akers said.

Many existing traffic camera applications were denied across the state. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website, over half of the 348 applications the department received were denied.

The website states applications were required to be submitted by July 1, and municipalities were notified of their application status on Sept. 30.

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Unlike some cities in the state, University Heights never intended to use the automated traffic cameras as a means of generating revenue from speeding tickets, Mayor Louise From said. Instead, the city wanted to increase public safety on its busiest roads while making the jobs of its police force easier, she said.

University Heights sees a lot of traffic because of its proximity to the University of Iowa Health Care clinics, Akers said. Melrose and Koser avenues are where speeding occurs most often and traffic is at its densest, From said.

While the city waits to hear more about what their next steps could be, there are already several methods in place to try to curb speeding, From said. University Heights has two speed trailers, which show drivers their speed and flash when they are going over the limit, she said.

The University Heights Police Department also does what it can to patrol busy roads, From said.

“We are still wanting people to slow down through University Heights, and I think our police are doing their best to do that without traffic cameras since we can’t have them,” From said. “So, we’re lucky we have such good police here in University Heights.”

While city officials are concerned about speeding, some University Heights residents don’t see speeding as a major issue. Pat Yeggy, a long-time city resident, said she often walks her dog along Melrose Avenue during morning commuting hours and has never felt unsafe.

However, she said traffic is often bumper-to-bumper in the morning, and she has noticed a lot of speeding on Koser Avenue since it goes downhill.

Yeggy said her opinion on whether the automated cameras are needed is mixed. While it would be more convenient for the police department, she doesn’t see how the cameras would have much impact on public safety.

“I guess in some ways I’m just opposed to a camera giving you the ticket,” Yeggy said.