Aurora’s effective yet expensive photo speed enforcement program will end: “Over-promised and under-delivered”

Safety is priceless, but a recent pilot program meant to reduce speeding has cost the City of Aurora over half a million dollars. While city leaders acknowledge that photo enforcement vehicles have slowed drivers, a new discussion begins about a more efficient way to keep streets safe.

CBS News Colorado spoke with APD last year when the pilot program was unveiled.

Marked vehicles with light detection and ranging technology were deployed in residential neighborhoods where the speed limit reads 35 MPH or less, school and work zones, and streets that border a municipal park.

Tuesday, CBS News Colorado visited a neighborhood where a vehicle was stationed. It was parked on the shoulder of Telluride Street across from Vassar Elementary School, by a sidewalk frequented by students and neighbors.

“After school, you see a lot of cars going really fast,” said one teenager walking by.

“I know you’re trying to get your kid, but still. I’m trying to get home,” said his friend.

Many drivers take the posted 35 MPH speed limit as a suggestion.

It’s long been a problem for residents in the Aurora neighborhood.

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CBS


George Archaniotis and his neighbors signed a petition to get city engineers out for