In a move to curb speeding and improve roadway safety, Minneapolis has activated its first-ever speed safety cameras at five high-risk intersections as of October 1. This launch is part of the broader Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries on the city's streets. "These traffic safety cameras are about preventing reckless driving, stopping crashes from happening, and saving lives," Mayor Jacob Frey extolled in a statement obtained by the City of Minneapolis.
The automated enforcement comes with a grace period; violators will be warned until November 1, when penalties begin. A Minneapolis traffic control agent will verify violations, which suggests a hands-on approach despite the automation. As per the program's guidelines, vehicle owners can avoid penalties if their car was stolen or if they were not driving at the time of the violation, provided they furnish a sworn statement to that effect.
According to the official website of the City of Minneapolis, the five chosen locations are 3rd St. N near 1st Ave N., Fremont Ave N near W. Broadway Ave, 18th Ave NE near Central Ave NE, Chicago Ave near Franklin Ave E, and Nicollet Ave near 46th St. W. Public Works is already eyeing additional sites, with 11 new locations pegged as high priorities for the future of the traffic safety program—an indication of possible expansion based on early results and community feedback.
The penalties for speeding are structured to escalate with the severity of the offense. A $40 fine awaits those cruising 10-19 mph over the limit, while heavier-footed drivers exceeding 20 mph face an $80 fine. Importantly, first-time violators can opt for a traffic safety class over a fine. City officials are clear that these measures are about ensuring safety, not padding coffers. As such, any revenue from the fines will contribute to program costs and other safety investments. This initiative aligns with sentiments expressed by former Rep. Frank Hornstein: "This is a major step towards traffic safety. Traffic safety cameras will save lives and make our streets safer," said Hornstein in an interview.
Privacy is also a key component of the initiative. Cameras are restricted to capturing the rear of vehicles and are required to blur out any individuals inadvertently recorded. This specification is consistent with a focus on vehicular behavior, rather than surveilling citizens. For those issued a violation, the City has partnered with NovoaGlobal to provide a secure website where recipients can view evidence or contest citations—streamlining the process outside of court. Additional information on the Traffic Safety Camera Pilot program, including FAQs and maps of the camera locations, can be found on the City’s website.
