The Waterloo Police Department will begin using four portable photo-laser speed cameras starting November 15.

Waterloo Police Chief Dan Trelka says that crash rates have increased.

The City of Waterloo has made improving traffic safety one of the goals of the Waterloo Police Department.

The new cameras include three hand-held units and a mobile trailer.

They will be able to take high-resolution images and video of cars violating speed limits.

Locations for the cameras will be chosen based on the number of accidents, violations, and resident input on a particular street.

“We are giving our residents the power to determine where the cameras should be used based on what they experience in their own neighborhoods and while traveling the streets of Waterloo,” Trelka said.

During the first two weeks, warnings will be issued in the areas where the speed cameras are.

Around November 30 citations with fines will be issued.

Signs will be posted warning drivers that photo enforcement is in use at the major entrances to the city.

There are no upfront costs to the taxpayers for installing, operating or maintaining the cameras.

Over time the program will be funded by violators.

All equipment and personnel costs directly related to the program will be funded by violators as a percentage of revenue collected from speeding tickets will be paid to the vendor.

Net revenue from the cameras will be directed towards tax relief.

The Waterloo City Council approved the use of the traffic cameras on August 7.

Citizens are encouraged to direct recommendations to Chief Trelka by email to trelkad@waterloopolice.com or by calling 319-291-4340, option 9.