Speed cameras are coming to these 5 Minneapolis intersections
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A speed enforcement camera in Toronto. Photo: Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images
Minneapolis officials unveiled the first five intersections where new automated traffic enforcement cameras will begin catching speeding drivers in September.
Why it matters: Speeding is a deadly problem, and experts say automated enforcement can be an effective deterrent — especially with Minneapolis police short-staffed and under pressure to conduct fewer traffic stops.
The latest: The pilot program's first cameras will be located near intersections with a history of speed problems, Ethan Fawley, who leads Minneapolis' traffic and pedestrian safety efforts, told reporters Tuesday.
- The first five locations will be downtown, on the North Side, and in Northeast, Kingfield and Phillips.
How it works: City officials insist the camera program is meant to curb unsafe driving, not become a new revenue stream for Minneapolis.
- The system will only ticket vehicles going at least 10 mph over the speed limit.
- The first citation will be a warning. Subsequent offenses will cost far less than a regular ticket (starting at $40) and in many cases won't go on permanent driving records.
The fine print: The city's camera vendor will only capture images of the vehicle and its license plate, and send tickets to the registered owner.
- If the owner wasn't driving, they can appeal by filing a sworn statement saying they weren't behind the wheel — or provide evidence that the vehicle was stolen at the time.
The intrigue: The focus on ticketing vehicles, not drivers, is an effort to comply with a 2007 state Supreme Court ruling that quashed Minneapolis' previous and short-lived "photo cop" program.
Between the lines: More than a dozen studies confirm speed cameras tend to reduce speeding and crashes while minimizing the need for cops to pull drivers over.
What we're watching: Minneapolis officials have identified 11 "high priority" locations where the program will likely expand next. State law allows the city to deploy cameras in up to 42 locations.
- The cameras will only ticket speeders for now, but can be reconfigured to simultaneously record vehicles running red lights.
What's next: After a 30-day warnings-only period, the new cameras could begin issuing real citations in October.