Yahoo News 'Fine and jail vandals' who dismantled Swansea speed camera
Wales Online readers are fairly divided on the news that a speed camera has been torn down on a bustling Swansea road. The average speed camera, situated along Llangyfelach Road in Treboeth, has now been removed after it was found dismantled.
The base of the camera still stands, and has been taped around the point where it is suspected to have been cut down. This isn't the first instance of such an occurrence in the city this year.
We reported in May how South Wales Police was investigating similar incidents which took place between October 2023 and April 2024 in the Treboeth, Clydach and Pontardawe areas. Officers stated at the time that anyone who passed on information to Crimestoppers anonymously may be eligible for a reward worth up to £1,000. Click here to read more.
READ MORE: The special haven a family with children with ASD have made to help others
In February, it was reported how damage had been caused to average speed cameras along the A4067. You can read more about that by clicking here. GoSafe has been contacted for comment.
Commenter Fifth_account says: “Anyone who thinks this is clever or good really needs to look at how these are afforded and paid for in the first place! You're not solving anything just costing the taxpayer!”
Dsx11 replies: “People don't risk doing this kind of thing lightly. If it wasn't for things like this happening we'd probably still have the Berlin Wall. Granted it will cost taxpayers money but if democracy fails this is the probable outcome. Stroll on 2026 and we can give democracy another try.”
Hermannplatt disagrees: “More selfish car owners thinking they're more important than pedestrians and any other road users.”
VetchClock adds: “When people start taking the law into their own hands where does it stop?”
Skwonk states: “If you think that these cameras are there for safety you are mistaken, they are there to reduce the numbers of police officers needed, they don't protect or save lives they generate income fact! Serving police officers will tell you that.”
MichaelJ1964 agrees: “Good for them, it's time we start removing these intrusive devices into our lives. All in the name of 'safety'.”
Tannerbanc adds: “I cannot condone criminal damage. but I do think the Welsh Government have brought this on themselves.”
Swani explains: “These cameras are paid for by Go Safe Wales from fining people that have marginally gone over 20 mph. With a £90 awareness course, plus a days wage lost to attend and in some cases points on licence. Your insurance goes up because of the points and they wonder why people are giving them the chop!”
Taweboy points out: “Go Safe are part of the police, the camera poles are owned and erected by the council and have to be replaced by the council, which means that as council tax payers we will have to pay to repair the posts.”
Studivine19 thinks: “I’m all for having speed cameras in areas where needed but this road is an absolute pain going up and down 20 mph.”
Sometimesiamright agrees: “Such a waste of money installing them in the first place where they are just 'cash cows'. They should just be on the approach to schools or known accident blackspots.”
Gwyddno says they are not all bad: “Speed cameras have ANPR fitted so if your car, van or lorry is reported stolen the camera will alert police patrol cars. Likewise, vehicles flagged by police as transporting illegal drugs and hit and runs.”
VetchClock is unimpressed and just says: “Fine and jail the vandals.”
AJcymruambyth agrees: “The police can narrow down the criminals who perpetrated this crime by checking who has just been caught speeding by this camera. I wonder how these criminals would feel if one of their family or friends were seriously injured or worse by a speeding motorist, karma does come round.”
How do you feel about the destruction of the speed camera? Is it vandalism or a public service? Have your say in our comments section.
