North Yorkshire’s first fixed speed camera has been deliberately knocked over in what police suspect was a late-night act of vandalism.
The camera, located on the A64 in Sherburn, was set to begin enforcing a 30mph speed limit on the morning of the incident. However, at around 2.20am, it was hit and left lying on the pavement with exposed electrical cables.
Highways staff from North Yorkshire County Council arrived at the scene in the early hours. One of the first responders, Sean Flood, said:
“I got there at 3am. By then it was already down – it had been knocked over around half past two. It was a streetlight with a speed camera attached. It had been hit twice, reversed into.”
North Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation and confirmed they believe the damage was intentional.
In a statement, the force said:
“It is disappointing to see a device designed to improve road safety and protect the public being deliberately targeted. We are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward.”
The camera was part of a three-month trial and marked a shift in enforcement tactics for the area, which had previously relied solely on mobile speed cameras.
The council has confirmed that work is underway to reinstall the camera at another location in the village.
