skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Report: Traffic Cameras – Safety or Profit?

play audio
Play

Tuesday, November 8, 2011   

DES MOINES, Iowa - At least three jurisdictions in Iowa have contracted for red-light and speed cameras in their communities. Companies in the traffic-camera business, such as Gatso, say their cameras make roads safer. But a new report from the Iowa Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) urges caution. It says that sometimes such contracts put profits ahead of safety.

PIRG public interest advocate Serena Unrein says payments may be based on a percentage of fines collected or the number of tickets written.

"In the contracts, there is often a financial incentive for companies to issue more tickets and for there to be more violations, rather than fewer traffic violations."

PIRG says such contracts create a conflict of interest for cities, whose primary goal should be driver safety and protecting the public interest. And Unrein says intersections can often be made safer through traffic engineering strategies, like longer yellow lights. But she points out that some traffic camera contracts specifically forbid such actions.

"Sometimes, these contracts would actually write in that cities would be prevented from retaining control over their traffic policy decisions that might actually improve public safety."

While PIRG officials say Iowa has not seen the problems encountered in other states, they want lawmakers to put safety before profit in approving more traffic cameras on the streets.

The report is at: tinyurl.com/7nduoyu.




get more stories like this via email

more stories
Including the $236 million in federal funding for wildland fire management recently announced for 2025, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested a total of $1 billion to the cause, according to the Department of the Interior. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

This month, the federal government announced funding for next year's wildfire management, totaling $236 million and experts hope threatened …


Social Issues

play sound

From gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to Superintendent of Public Instruction hopeful Michele Morrow, some Republicans running for office have …

Social Issues

play sound

California is home to more than 181,000 people who are unhoused, with 75,000 in Los Angeles alone, so the Los Angeles Food Policy Council will host a …


The California Department of Conservation is holding a public meeting online on Sept. 24, to update the public on its progress in plugging abandoned oil wells. (Alizada Studios/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Groups concerned about pollution and climate change are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a trio of bills dubbed the "make polluters pay" package…

Social Issues

play sound

This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election. The latest reports from …

The American Heart Association said caregivers often experience personal and spiritual growth, discovering their own resilience, competence and capacity for sacrifice as they help a friend or loved one. (Justlight/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

September is Self-Care Awareness Month and the American Heart Association in Missouri is urging caregivers to take some much-needed time for themselve…

Environment

play sound

In Virginia's waters, the decline of a small but critically important fish is causing growing concern among conservation groups and fishermen alike…

Social Issues

play sound

Colorado voters will decide whether to change the state's constitution to ensure families have school choice as a fundamental right. Kallie Leyba…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021