Why Denver police photo enforcement vehicles park where others can’t

DENVER (KDVR) — If you’ve driven in Denver, you’ve likely seen the Denver Police Department’s photo enforcement vehicles parked on the sides of roads, in medians and even in the sometimes grassy areas between a road and sidewalk.

But if drivers can’t park there, why can photo enforcement vehicles?

Denver parking ordinances prohibit drivers from driving or parking on any median or island on any street, any sidewalk area, or any non-designated areas of parks, parkways and boulevards.

In January, FOX31 asked the Denver Police Department about how the photo enforcement program works. The department has five speed enforcement vans that are deployed on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. According to police, there is always an agent inside the van who monitors as the radar and cameras capture incidents, such as speeding or running a red light.

In an email, the police department said the photo enforcement vehicles park where they do with the same legal authority as police officers.

“We are employees of a law enforcement agency performing a law enforcement function. As such we are using the same legal authority to park on curbs and other areas as police officers do to perform their duties,” the department said. “When street parking is not available, we park on areas that are City property, including parks and residential easements, all with safety and respect to public property in mind.”

The police department said it has a policy to not obstruct traffic or prevent anyone from using the sidewalk when there is not enough space to go around the photo enforcement vehicle on the safe side.

Sometimes, the vehicles will be parked in the area between the sidewalk and the road, sometimes known as a parking strip or grass strip.

“Generally, the area that is 3-10 (feet) from the curb is public right of way and is owned by the City. However, residents are required to maintain this area. As such, we are very conscientious about where we park our vehicles as not to cause any damage,” the agency said.

Police said the vehicles have “not posed any danger or hazard to the environment” in the 25 years that the program has existed.

“Our vehicles are regularly maintained and are replaced every 5 years. Oil drips are prevented through this process much like it would if your own vehicle was maintained regularly,” Denver police said.

Drivers are legally required to pay red light and speeding tickets , but they won’t add points to the driver’s license.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.