DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa’s transportation department has rejected requests by officials in four cities to keep operating some speed cameras in their areas.

The state Department of Transportation issued the denials in letters dated Monday to officials in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Muscatine. A letter to Council Bluffs was dated May 6.

DOT Director Paul Trombino says in the letters the cameras are not making interstate highways or nearby intersections safer.

The DOT decided in late 2013 that speed cameras on or adjacent to state highways should not be used as long-term enforcement tools and required more justification for their use. The agency later ordered several cities to turn off some cameras. Many communities appealed those orders.

City officials can appeal the decision in district court.