The public may not like traffic cameras, but expect to see more of them.
A measure that would have required cities and counties to get a permit from the state Department of Transportation before installing new traffic cameras has apparently died for this legislative session. The proposal also would have forced local governments to justify existing cameras by submitting traffic data to the department.
Gov. Terry Branstad has been skeptical about the cameras. Steve Gent, the Transportation Department's director of traffic and safety, says he's "surprised and baffled and disappointed" the bill has died.
A recent poll released in February showed 50 percent of Iowans want to outlaw the cameras while 43 percent opposed such a move.
Dubuque, Iowa City and Polk County are considering camera programs.
