Council approves amendment permitting unmanned photo speed enforcement devices; some members dissent

The Aurora City Council voted 6–3 on Monday to amend city code to allow the use of unmanned automated photo speed-enforcement equipment.

Lieutenant Chris Townser of the Aurora Police Traffic Section presented the change, saying the amendment would allow the department to use unmanned photo enforcement devices in place of manned vehicles. "We're asking for an amendment change so that we can use unmanned photo enforcement devices and equipment in the city," he said, adding that "it will still require us to have an employee that will review all of the violations before we send out a notice." Townser also described contractual safeguards related to school zone enforcement.

During council discussion, concerns about data privacy surfaced. A counciler asked whether the vendor would share resident data outside the city; Townser responded: "Yes. The company would not share that data." Council Member Coombs and Council Member Medina were among those who voted no, expressing privacy and procedural concerns during prior study-session discussion. The meeting record shows the motion passed with six yes votes and three no votes from Council Members Coombs, Medina and Mario.

Council Member Bergen moved to approve the item and Council Member Hancock seconded. The ordinance was finalized as item 13A.

The ordinance amendment clarifies the city's authority to use unmanned equipment; staff said a city employee will review captured violations prior to issuing notices. Implementation details, including deployment locations and vendor contract terms, will be addressed in subsequent administrative actions.