Hunter
03/15/24
A long-notorious area speed trap is going high-tech.
The Gazette reports the city of University Heights is installing speed cameras on the heavily-traveled 1200 block of Melrose Avenue, which has a 25 mph speed limit, and in the 100 block of Koser Avenue, which has a 20 mph limit.
Although the cameras and signage are being installed, it’s not certain when the cameras will go live.
University Heights Police Chief Troy Kelsay said fines will start at $105 for drivers going over 11 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. There will be a 30 day grace period where motorists will get a warning in the mail instead of a citation.
Kelsay says he’s heard constant complaints from residents about speeding in those two areas since he was appointed police chief five years ago.
The Gazette reported in 2016 that University Heights issued 907 speeding tickets in a year’s time, compared to 617 in Iowa City. University Heights has a population of about 1200, compared to Iowa City’s 75,000.
The installation of the University Heights speed cameras might not be put to use at all, as the state legislature is considering restricting or banning their use. One bill would require cities and counties to obtain state Department of Transportation approval to install the cameras, while another being considered would ban their use altogether while simultaneously enforcing tougher laws against the use of cellphones in vehicles.