The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has hired Municipal Collections of America to help it recover $17 million in unpaid traffic camera tickets.
Even though the cameras are no longer taking pictures as the courts determine whether they are legal, the city wanted to remind those with outstanding tickets that they still must be paid.
The $17 million represents more than 220,000 tickets. Those who choose not to pay the $75 fine will have a 25% late fee tacked onto the outstanding balance.
The city said it does not believe a statute of limitations exists on the unpaid debts. Municipal Collections of America is collecting a 25% fee on everything it brings in from the unpaid tickets.
The legality of the cameras is causing many people to decide not to pay, which could impact the amount they owe.
