UPDATE: A speed camera on Victoria Road in St Budeaux has been vandalized, shocking local residents and prompting an urgent police investigation. The incident occurred around 12:10 AM on November 1, 2023, when two suspects were reportedly seen damaging the camera’s lamp-post before fleeing the scene.
This reckless act comes just months after the tragic deaths of 24-year-old Destiny Harrison and her five-year-old daughter, Linnea, in a collision on the same road. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of this speed camera, which was installed to enforce the 30 mph speed limit and enhance safety in an area plagued by serious accidents.
Plymouth City Council confirmed that the camera, installed in response to community concerns, was removed after highway contractors deemed the structure unsafe. A spokesperson stated, “The police notified us that the street lighting column was damaged in the early hours of Saturday. Our highways team removed the upper column and camera and made the lower column safe.”
This incident not only endangers public safety but also incurs costs to taxpayers who will ultimately bear the financial burden of replacing the damaged infrastructure. Residents have expressed outrage over the vandalism, with many calling for stronger measures against reckless driving.
Councillor John Stephens highlighted ongoing community concerns about speeding, saying, “Residents have been raising concerns about speeding for some time.” The installation of the speed camera followed a series of accidents on Victoria Road, where calls for action intensified after the fatal incident involving the Harrisons.
The speed camera had been operational for six months as part of a trial funded by a new supplier to Devon and Cornwall Police. The police are urging the public to report any suspicious activity related to the vandalism, reinforcing the need for community vigilance.
The local community remains divided over the effectiveness of speed cameras. Some residents argue they are merely cash grabs, while others insist they are crucial for saving lives. Commenter Princewalter voiced strong support for the camera’s purpose, stating, “Those who cut the camera down go against what everyone in the area wanted. Let’s hope they are found.”
Conversely, others like Monty Graham questioned the camera’s placement, suggesting it missed critical areas where speeding is rampant. He remarked, “Surely it should be monitoring the stretch from the blue monkey to the mini roundabout on Victoria Road.”
In the wake of this vandalism, the council plans to replace the damaged column and reinstall the camera once it is recalibrated. Residents are left grappling with the implications of this act and the ongoing threat posed by speeding vehicles on their streets.
As investigations continue, the community is encouraged to remain alert and support law enforcement efforts. The impact of this incident is profound, not only in terms of public safety but also in restoring community trust in measures designed to protect them.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops further.
