Aurora Officials Revise Speed Enforcement Camera Program
Aurora city officials are revamping their speed enforcement camera program after a previous iteration resulted in substantial losses. The original program, launched in 2022, was terminated in April 2023, having cost the city over $500,000 while generating only $115,000 in revenue. During a recent council meeting, Police Sgt. Chris Amsler highlighted that staffing challenges, particularly the difficulty in hiring personnel to operate cameras from a van, contributed significantly to the program’s failure.
City Manager Jason Batchelor acknowledged the staffing demands as a “terrible idea,” prompting officials to implement changes in the new request for proposals (RFP) for a program operator. The updated requirements now include the use of automated, portable trailers or vehicles capable of functioning 24/7, significantly extending operational hours beyond the previous six to twelve hours per day.
New legislation allows the city council to designate specific areas as "automated vehicle identification corridors," enabling the installation of cameras in locations with demonstrated speed issues. Aurora must still adhere to state mandates that include a one-month warning period and limits on fines, capped at $40 or $80 in school and construction zones.
Mayor Mike Coffman and council members emphasized that the initiative is not merely a revenue-generating scheme; rather, it aims to enhance public safety and address rising accident rates. As Batchelor noted, the primary goal is to encourage residents to slow down while addressing frequent complaints about speeding in neighborhoods. The council has expressed unanimous support for exploring a new operator, with staff expected to present proposals within the coming months.