Denver to Add Automated Speed Cameras in 2027, Projecting $3.1 Million More From Traffic Tickets

Denver plans to add automated speed cameras and issue more traffic tickets, with the city projecting a $3.1 million increase in traffic enforcement revenue next year.

Mayor Mike Johnston’s draft 2027 budget also counts on a separate $3 million increase from parking meters and fines. The mayor’s office said the traffic plan includes redeploying officers to traffic duty and expanding the city’s photo radar program.

The expansion has been delayed. Johnston told Denver City Council that the city planned to grow photo radar revenue last year but did not roll out the program while the transportation and police departments debated responsibilities. Johnston said that dispute is now resolved.

The new equipment will let the city ticket speeding drivers without an officer at the camera. Unlike license plate readers that record every passing vehicle, the speed enforcement cameras photograph a license plate only when a driver exceeds the limit.

Nancy Kuhn, a spokesperson for the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, said the city plans to begin using both mobile and stationary automated cameras in the first quarter of 2027.

Kuhn said Denver will also continue to use its existing speed enforcement vans, which are operated by Denver police as part of ongoing traffic safety operations.

The city has not decided how many cameras to deploy.

Jill Locantore, head of the Denver Streets Partnership, said automated cameras can enforce speed limits around the clock. She criticized the city for moving slowly.

“They can do fully automated enforcement, which means the speed cameras can be there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without a human being,” Locantore said.

Federal transportation department testimony has linked automated speed enforcement to reductions in traffic crashes and deaths. Denver’s argument is that broader enforcement will encourage safer driving, while mobility advocates say Johnston should go further.

The parking changes are already underway. The city recently began allowing drivers to buy three-hour blocks of parking instead of two-hour blocks, and it expanded the hours when meters are in effect. Those changes could generate nearly $1.2 million.

The draft budget now goes to Denver City Council for review.