Iowa City’s parking department can use automated license plate technology in city ramps and on certain city parking enforcement vehicles. They are also allowed to use traffic cameras “primarily for traffic engineering and study.”
The ordinance was passed and adopted into Iowa City code by a narrow 4-3 vote by the Iowa City City Council on Tuesday, August 20. Councilors Andrew Dunn, Laura Bergus, and Mazahir Salih voted “no.”
The ‘no’ votes came despite the council unanimously adopting Dunn’s changes prior to the final reading and vote to the surprise of some councilmembers.
More: Iowa City moves closer to using automated license plate cameras in parking ramps
Cameras meant to save time, city says
City staff said the new code will increase efficiency and save time for both the city’s Parking Division and the community. The recently installed cameras are equipped with plate reading capabilities in three of the city’s ramps. The two ungated ramps at Chauncey Swan and Harrison have the tech available, as does the gated Capitol Street Ramp. Those cameras have not yet been activated.