State’s first speed camera operating in Mendota Heights

Mendota Heights Police Chief Kelly McCarthy hears over and over that residents want officers to crack down on speeders.

“We have over 60 identified areas where residents have expressed concern and where officers are mandated to do extra enforcement,” McCarthy said.

The city now has a camera to help with that, at least in the 500 block of eastbound Marie Avenue.

Last week, the southern suburb of St. Paul deployed the first camera in the state to ticket lead-footed drivers. The camera snaps a picture of the rear license plate of any vehicle detected going more than 10 mph over the speed limit.

During August, lawbreaking drivers will receive only a warning in the mail. After that, warnings will be sent for a driver’s first offense. A citation carrying a $40 fine or the option to attend a traffic safety course will be mailed for additional offenses. Fines double to $80 for drivers caught going 20 mph or more over the speed limit.

The speed limit on that portion of Marie is 30 mph, but the daily users of the road routinely exceed that. From 2018 through July 2025, officers have conducted 532 speed enforcement operations on Marie, dedicating 266 hours and issuing 218 citations, according to the city.

Over the years, the city has tried interventions. The road was restriped with fog lines and travel lanes were narrowed to 11 feet wide. Generally, lanes are 12 feet wide.

Data from the driver feedback signs indicate about 4% of traffic is moving at more than 40 mph, the police department said.

“We have invested thousands of dollars in engineering changes to the roadway and yet we still get complaints,” McCarthy said.

That led to the camera. Mendota Heights and Minneapolis gained Legislature approval to install cameras to ticket speeders as part of a pilot running through 2029.

“This program is in response to our taxpayers who feel that vehicles are driving too fast,” McCarthy said. “It is the least intrusive, most equitable way to enforce traffic.”

Mendota Heights’ camera is set up near two parks, in a school zone, within 25 feet of a walking path and 200 feet from a marked crosswalk.

McCarthy’s message to motorist is to the point, “Just slow down and observe the speed limit,” she said.

Maple Grove Transit has added four bike lockers at its flagship transit station near the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, bringing the total to six.

“The demand in recent years has been increasing,” said Transit Administrator Mike Opatz. “We usually have one or two persons on a wait list.”

The lockers are free to use. Bicyclists can reserve one by calling 763-494-6005 or ask at transit@maplegrovemn.gov. A $25 deposit is required, but the money will be refunded when the key is returned.