Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) on the Primary Highway System

ATEs in Iowa• Davenport…………….RLR & Speed• Cedar Rapids………… RLR & Speed• Des Moines…………… RLR & Speed• Sioux City…………….. RLR & Speed• Muscatine……………...RLR & Speed• Council Bluffs…………. RLR• Clive…………………...RLR • Ft. Dodge……………...Speed• Windsor Heights………Speed• Polk County……………Speed

Why is DOT Involved?• Iowa Code 307.2 • DOT responsible for planning, development, regulation and

improvement of transportation in the state.

• Iowa is the only state:• Local Jurisdiction can get ATEs by simple majority vote• Permanent speed cameras on the interstate

• ATEs can be Effective if Used in the Right Places• But…Research is mixed

• Public Trust

• Expensive from a Societal Perspective

History

• DOT Published ATE Guidelines - June 2012• Met with and Gathered Input from Cities - Sept 2012

• Published in Iowa Administrative Bulletin - Oct 2013• Rules Committee @ Capital - Oct 2013• Public Hearing & Written Comments - Oct/Nov

2013• Iowa DOT Commission – Approved - Dec 2013• Rules Committee @ Capital - Feb 2014• Adopted - Feb 2014

General Principals1. Primary Highway System only2. Only considered after other engineering and

enforcement solutions have been explored and implemented

3. Should not be used as a long term solution4. Fixed and mobile systems5. Limited use on the interstates6. Only used in high-crash, high-risk or school zones7. DOT Provide Objective Oversight

DOT – no authority to own/operate any ATE systems DOT – shall not receive any $

Justification Report(new installations only)

• Conduct an Engineering Safety Assessment

• Determine Critical Traffic Safety Issue(s)• Develop list of Countermeasures• Implement some Countermeasures

• Low cost, least intrusive/controversial• Why ATE is needed

Minimum Requirements• Signage• Calibration• Safe Environment for Motorists

• Do not impede or interfere with free flow traffic• Do not create visual obstruction• Not placed within 15 ft. of an interstate (unless

shielded)• Not within 2 ft. of back of curb• Not placed in a work zone• Not placed close to a speed zone change

• Traditional Enforcement – continue

Annual Report• Crashes – Before and After• Impact of ATE on Speeds or Red-Light Running• Number of Citations• Anything else to show they are effective• Provide by May 1 of following year

DOT Review of Annual ReportDOT will evaluate Annual Report to determine continued need, modification, etc. for ATE system

• Are the systems effective?• Are they in compliance with these

rules?• Consider other safety

countermeasures?