8th camera torched...and it will cost £40k to be replaced

5:10pm Monday 24th November 2008 in News

A SPEED camera was set alight less than 200 metres from a fire station in the latest in spate of attacks in south Essex.

The camera had a car tyre, doused in petrol, put round it and was set on fire in Long Road, Canvey.

Firefighters from the nearby fire station managed to put out the burning tyre, which had been cut to fit round the speed camera.

Only a week ago a speed camera was set alight along the A127, near Progress Road, in Southend.

Sub Officer Kevin Kercock, of Canvey Fire Station, said: “There was a lot of smoke and the speed camera is now very discoloured. It is definitely broken.

“I haven’t seen this sort of thing before, but I know there has been a spate of speed cameras being vandalised in the area.”

Eight speed cameras have been destroyed since May last year in south Essex.

Councillor Norman Hume, cabinet member responsible for highways and transportation, said: “Safety cameras are a valuable tool in preventing accidents and reducing casualties.

“We treat vandalism against them extremely seriously and we have reported this matter to the police.”

Police spokesman Nishan Wijeratne said the camera was destroyed and installing a new one would cost as much as £40,000.

He said: “Such incidents of mindless vandalism will not be tolerated. Cameras are there to increase safety and damage to them could result in speed-related accidents.”

Comments(11)

NOTORIOUS says...
6:21pm Mon 24 Nov 08

He said: “Such incidents of mindless vandalism will not be tolerated. Cameras are there to increase safety and damage to them could result in speed-related accidents.” ..get it right ....its just money making ..... whoever is doing this is doing the average motorist a bigggg favour!!!

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

GARYSMIFF says...
6:28pm Mon 24 Nov 08

Dear Echo,
If you intend on reporting please can you print the facts.
Please would you not amend photos to fit in with your column.
In your Castle Point edition dated 24th November 2008 you show the Camera burnt out in Long road Canvey with an oncoming car on the left hand side of the road.
DO WE LIVE IN FRANCE!!!!!!!!!!!


Report this post »    Register/Log In »

ShipShape says...
6:59pm Mon 24 Nov 08

I'm finding it hard to find my sympathy button.
How much cash did this machine fleece from motorists? Enough to pay for it's self?

Hey ho..

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Techno says...
7:25pm Mon 24 Nov 08

Unless you are stupid enough to break the law and speed, it wont have cost you a penny. Although no doubt us taxpayers will be footing the bill to replace it.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

SARFENDMAN says...
7:43pm Mon 24 Nov 08

The average speed cameras that are spreading this way down the A12 and soon onto the A127 will proove more of a challenge to these mindless vandals who suffer from a small particle of brain lodged in their heads.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Meter Mate Mick says...
8:37am Tue 25 Nov 08

When the bonehead(s)who burnt these cameras is caught the law will give them a hefty custodial sentence, make no mistake. And then listen to 'em squeal like a greased pig.

Listen carefully:
Do not break the law and speed. You may think you're a better driver than anyone else but you're not

Do not destroy government property that is paid for by the taxpayer.

Morons!!

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

ST 1 says...
3:36pm Tue 25 Nov 08

Interesting that this morning's crash on the A127 happened on the London-bound stretch near Progress Road, which is covered by speed cameras.

The accident did not occur on the Southend-bound stretch, where the camera was torched 2 weeks ago. Statistically speaking, the stretch without speed camera surveillance is now safer. Statistics are fantastic!

Likewise, I haven't seen any accidents at the Fortune of War since the cameras were taken out of service and the national speed limit restored. When the cameras were fitted however, I did witness an accident when a car braked hard for the camera and the car behind drove into the back of him. Again, statistically speaking, removing the cameras has reduced the number of accidents.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

thelonewhinger says...
3:39pm Tue 25 Nov 08

"GarySmiff" mentioned France ...In France they often use black plywood lifesize cutouts representing the spirit of a road accident victim at the roadside location where it occurred. Seeing a couple and their children (ages written on the figures) seems far more effective than a yellow fine grabber. You only need to see the way French motorists instinctively slow when passing through any populated area. They don't cost £40,000 either.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Techno says...
5:57pm Tue 25 Nov 08

In Britain we have a hardrcore of particularly dumb, stupid drivers who quite clearly cannot take a hint. Hence the cameras and drink driving purges. You dont need cardboard cutouts when a short, sharp shock will do.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

andyhsufc says...
7:07pm Tue 25 Nov 08

Whether you agree with them or not, it is still 40k of taxpayers money that has got to be found to replace it. Idiots

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Techno says...
7:58pm Tue 25 Nov 08

The cost is a completely seperate issue. The important points are 1: A crime is being punished. 2: The village idiots are also paying for the tax cuts and other benefits to society.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree