From the Cedar Rapids city website today, it looks like all systems are a go for its newest revenue stream, and I’m not talking bout the red light cameras. The first trial run of the “mobile speed vehicle” was successful according to the latest news release. Today’s 166 violators (it nabbed in 90min) will be happy to know that they will get off scot-free but tomorrow begins the real deal. I can’t say that its really a waste of taxpayers money though, claiming to nab a driver going 55mph in a 25mph school zone is probably a good thing. Here is the details of the press release.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA -February 23, 2010 -As part of the Automated Traffic Enforcement Program, the mobile speed vehicle was deployed today for a test. It passed with flying colors and re-enforced the need for this program to help the Cedar Rapids Police Department change driver behavior.

The mobile speed vehicle was placed in the 400 blk 76 Ave SW this morning for approximately 90 minutes. The time was selected as students and parents were arriving at school. During this 90 minute test period, 166 violators were recorded. These violators ranged in speeds up to 55 miles per hour in a school zone which is 25 miles per hour. These 166 violators will not receive tickets. Beginning Wednesday, February 24, 2010, the mobile speed vehicle will be placed in various locations through out the city. Anyone caught on camera beginning on Wednesday, will receive a citation. There is no warning or grace period for the mobile speed vehicle camera. It may be anywhere in the city. One target area is the school zones. School zones will be strictly enforced.

The process for issuing citations will be similar to the Red Light Camera. The violator will receive the civil citation in the mail The violator may view the citation on line. They will have the opportunity to either pay the violation or appeal it. They can then appear in front of the appeals panel.

I hope they stay away from my regular traffic route to be honest. I have a little bit of a lead foot issue going on that might hit my pocket book. Lets just hope they stay in the area they listed above for the time being.

Whats particularly odd in this situation is that I’ve yet to catch wind that these little “mobile” stations were even being deployed. According the cities April 22, 2009 RFP for its new AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM, it appears that this is certainly been its strategy all along.  I’d really like to know what one of these bad boys looks like so I can keep an eye out. Good luck fellow CR drivers!