Browsing by Subject "Speed limits"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Identifying Issues Related to Deployment of Automated Speed Enforcement
    (Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2012-07) Douma, Frank; Munnich, Lee; Loveland, Joe; Garry, Thomas
    Automated speed enforcement (ASE) has been shown to be one of the most effective strategies for reducing speeding by vehicles and improving road safety. However, the perception that ASE is unpopular and controversial has limited its use by policymakers in the United States. This report investigates whether this perception is justified in Minnesota by conducting a public opinion survey of Minnesota residents about their views of ASE. In light of the survey results, the report then examines the legal and related political obstacles for deploying ASE in Minnesota, and outlines a strategy for moving forward with ASE in Minnesota in select areas.
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    Impact of Speed Limit Changes on Urban Streets
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2023-06) Davis, Gary A.
    In 2019 the Minnesota Legislature amended that state's statutes to allow cities to set speed limits on city-owned streets. In February 2021 we surveyed 33 cities within the Twin Cities metro area and identified the city of St. Louis Park as planning to implement a city-wide change in speed limits, with a default speed limit of 20 mph but with selected roads being signed for limits ranging from 25 mph to 35 mph. Speed data was collected using road tube traffic recorders in the summer of 2021, 2-4 months before the speed limit change, and in the summer of 2022, 6-8 months after the change. There was considerable variability regarding what was seen at individual locations, with before/after differences in mean speed ranging from a decrease of 7 mph to an increase of 2.4 mph. On average, mean speeds were slightly lower (1-2 mph) in the after period, both on streets where the speed limit was lowered and on streets where the limit was unchanged. This pattern, modest reductions in mean speeds following a reduction in speed limit, with possible spillover, was consistent with what has been seen in other cities in North America and Great Britain.
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    Options for Automated Speed Enforcement Pilot Projects in Minnesota Work and School Zones
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2014-05) Douma, Frank; Munnich, Lee; Garry, Thomas
    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. This is despite public opinion polling in Minnesota showing overwhelming public support for ASE in certain locations. This gap in Minnesota between (i) the safety benefits and strong public support for ASE in certain settings and (ii) state policy led to this study. The purpose of the study was to investigate scenarios for an ASE pilot project in Minnesota. Work and school zones were selected as the target deployment location given the polling showing strong public support for ASE there and the experiences in other states showing 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.