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Old camera tickets still must be paid

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By Deirdre Cox Baker | Saturday, January 06, 2007 |

Drivers thinking of ignoring tickets issued through Davenport’s controversial traffic camera system might want to think again.

Scott County Treasurer Bill Fennelly points out that the speeding and red-light tickets still must be paid before vehicle license renewal tags can be issued.

“If someone, for example, got a ticket three months ago and didn’t pay it, and then comes to our offices to renew their vehicle license, they are going to have to pay that fine first,” he said.

Fennelly heard from some customers this week who mistakenly believed the speeding fines are in limbo because of the Scott County District Court ruling against the system. The Davenport City Council is deciding on whether to appeal the decision to the Iowa Supreme Court.

In the meantime, the cameras will remain in operation and data will be collected. Retroactive tickets may be sent out in the future, Davenport officials said.

Scott County has long collected late fees from Davenport residents, be it speeding tickets, fines for snow removal or weed cutting, Fennelly said. The City of Davenport collects the name of offenders who have let their fees lag for 45 days or more. These names are sent to Scott County, tagged into the licensing system, and the fines are collected when the resident attempts to get vehicle renewals.

“They clear their fine first, and then get the renewal,” Fennelly said.

Deirdre Cox Baker can be contacted at (563) 383-2492 or dbaker@qctimes.com.