Editor’s note: This is one of a new, occasional series of columns written by Fort Dodge city employees explaining the services that their agencies provide to the public.

The city of Fort Dodge recently received approval from the Iowa Department of Transportation to operate automated traffic enforcement systems. This approval, granted on Sept. 30, is part of the process outlined in Senate File 2408 (SF2408), a new law that regulates the use of such systems across the state.

Under SF2408, any local authority already using automated traffic systems before Jan. 1, 2024, was required to submit a list of system locations and justification for their placement to the DOT by July 1, 2024. This submission was necessary for continued operation, allowing the DOT to review and approve each location based on safety concerns and traffic management needs.

Fort Dodge followed the state requirements and submitted its application, which included a detailed list of mobile speed enforcement locations. After careful review, the Iowa DOT approved all the requested locations within the city, enabling Fort Dodge to continue using these systems to enhance traffic law enforcement and promote safety across the community. Fort Dodge was the only municipality in the state to have all its requests granted.

Below is the list of approved mobile speed enforcement locations in Fort Dodge:

1. 1300 block of North 22nd Street, northbound

2. 1300 block of North 22nd Street, southbound

3. 1300 block of South 22nd Street, northbound

4. 1300 block of South 22nd Street, southbound

5. 1400 block of 20th Avenue North, westbound

6. 1800 block of 6th Avenue North, eastbound

7. 2600 block of North 15th Street, northbound

8. 2600 block of North 15th Street, southbound

9. 300 block of South 21st Street, northbound

10. 400 block of North Ninth Street, northbound

11. 400 block of North Ninth Street, southbound

12. 900 block of South 17th Street, northbound

13. 900 block of South 17th Street, southbound

14. 1800 block of North 32nd Street, northbound

15. 1800 block of North 32nd Street, southbound

16. 1200 block of North 29th Street, northbound

17. 1200 block of North 29th Street, southbound

18. 1000 block of Avenue C, westbound

19. 2900 block of 10th Avenue North, westbound

The approval of these locations will ensure that Fort Dodge continues to utilize technology to promote traffic safety and compliance with speed regulations. These systems, which use remote sensors and cameras to monitor speeding violations, have proven effective in reducing accidents and improving driver behavior. The continued operation of these systems aligns with the city’s commitment to keeping roads safer for all residents and visitors.

Residents can contact the Fort Dodge Police Department for more information about the automated traffic enforcement program or to learn more about the approved locations.