The vandal who unbolted and knocked over the South’s newest speed camera is not the "hero" many are making them out to be, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says.
On Saturday, Otago’s brand-new average-speed safety camera, located on Allanton-Waihola Rd, State Highway 1, was found unbolted, pulled from the ground and knocked over, Acting Senior Sergeant Iain Notman, of Dunedin, said.
By 2.40am on Saturday, the camera was alight.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand extinguished the fire, and firefighters at the scene believed it was probably started due to a short-circuit after being knocked over.
When the Otago Daily Times reported on the incident on Monday, many people commented on social media, expressing their approval of the wilful damage."Not all heroes wear capes," was a common comment and the unknown perpetrator was also offered numerous cans of beer by strangers.
The camera, newly installed and not yet operational, is one of a pair, which checks how fast a car travels over a stretch of road by calculating the speed between the two cameras.
Police said inquiries into what — or who — caused the damage were ongoing.
NZTA head of driving regulation Chris Rodley said the vandalism was not only extremely disappointing, but also very costly and put road users at risk.
There had been a series of incidents appearing in the media over recent months which had made the issue of intentionally damaging speed safety cameras a visible issue for many, he said.
However, because NZTA only took over management and operation of safety (speed) cameras last year, it was too early for to tell if the wilful destruction was becoming a trend.
Results of a survey conducted last year show 21% of vehicles using that section of the Allanton-Waihola Rd were speeding.
There were also numerous fatal crashes on that section of road.
"By installing average-speed safety cameras, we are reducing that risk and making these roads safer for everyone who uses them — the risk of crashes is significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit."
The damage may have hindered the rollout, but it had not stopped it, he said.
Mr Rodley said the camera and pole would be repaired and the damage had not significantly delayed the cameras becoming operational.
"We will be looking at all reasonable and practical measures to prevent and discourage vandalism of this type.
"People need to be aware that intentional vandalism of NZTA property is a criminal offence and will be reported to police."
