Investigating Deployment Potential for Automated Speed Enforcement in Minnesota

Principal Investigator(s):

Lee Munnich, Senior Fellow (Retired), Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Co-Investigators:

  • Frank Douma, Director, State & Local Policy, Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Project summary:

Studies have shown that automated speed enforcement (ASE), when deployed in certain settings, increases roadway safety. Minnesota is one of the 36 states that do not use ASE, despite public opinion polls that show overwhelming public support for ASE in certain locations. This gap in Minnesota between the safety benefits and strong public support for ASE in certain settings and state policy is what led researchers to undertake this study. The purpose was to investigate scenarios for an ASE pilot project in Minnesota. Work and school zones were selected as the target deployment locations given that polling showed strong public support for ASE in these areas, and experiences in other states has shown that ASE is effective in reducing speeding in these areas. The aim of this study was to develop a pilot project blueprint to inform policymakers about the potential for such a project. The study included data and legal analysis, a literature review, and stakeholder engagement.

Sponsor(s):

Project details:

  • Project number: 2013070
  • Start date: 10/2012
  • Project status: Completed
  • Research area: Transportation Safety and Traffic Flow
  • Topics: Rural Transportation, Safety