Iowa’s new traffic camera law postpones Dubuque’s plans

Dubuque, Iowa – Dubuque will have to wait until at least 2026 to implement its ambitions to install automated traffic enforcement cameras.

On July 1st, a new Iowa legislation entered into force restricting the use of traffic cameras by counties and towns. It places a two-year ban on new traffic cameras and establishes guidelines for the types of violations that drivers may receive.

“If we make decisions based on really good information, and really good discussions, and do so responsibly, we should as a city be able to move forward with that,” explained Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh. “It’s a frustration because we still have this need. We still have a police department that’s asking for this, but the legislature has taken away the police department’s ability to enforce that.”

In 2023, the city finished a Speed Data Study to pinpoint problem spots in Dubuque. The Northwest Arterial, Dodge Street, and the Central Avenue-White Street corridor were highlighted; however, the location of traffic camera installations had not yet been determined by city officials.

Legislators in Iowa debated outright outlawing the cameras because they said they were a money-grabbing ploy by the city. According to Cavanagh, the purpose of the traffic enforcement cameras is to increase public safety.

Voices Studios at Central Avenue and East 16th Street in Dubuque is co-owned by Gene Tully. He claims that there are careless drivers in the area of his company.

“Right here between traffic lights is a place you really want to be able to lay down a bit, experiment with the sound of your motorcycle or your car and rip it pretty good,” said Tully. “I think it would help the business because traffic would be going slower and people would feel safer down here. It’d be like having a digital op on the beat right here.”

As soon as the state permits, Mayor Cavanagh intends to advocate for the adoption of their traffic camera program.