Skip advert
Advertisement

North Yorkshire's first speed camera is out for a duck: destroyed by vandals on day one

The police are calling for witnesses after North Yorkshire’s first speed camera was vandalised almost immediately after it was installed

Speed camera apps

The first fixed speed camera in North Yorkshire has been destroyed just 24 hours after its installation, with police launching an investigation into what they describe as a “deliberate” act of vandalism.

Although there are already over 8,000 fixed speed cameras operating across the UK, this was the first unit in North Yorkshire, and installed as part of a three-month trial, in Sherburn on the A64 between Malton and Scarborough.

However, shortly after its unveiling ceremony on 31 June and mere hours before it was due to be switched on, the camera was knocked over by vandals, pulling up part of the pavement and exposing electricity cables – which the police say they are hard at work making sure are safe.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Prior to the camera’s installation, Superintendent Mick Roffe from North Yorkshire Police said: “The fact that we are promoting the exact location of this camera shows that this isn’t about a quick way to generate money; it’s about enforcing the 30mph limit on a route which has historically seen several serious and fatal collisions.”

Following the incident, however, the force said that it was “disappointing to see that something intended to help keep the village safe and protect members of the public has been targeted by vandals.”

The police are asking for witnesses or anyone who may hold any potential information about the vandals or what happened to come forward – especially if they have any footage from a doorbell or security camera.

The damage to this camera comes just a few months after the UK began its first trial of AI-assisted camera technology that can not only catch you speeding, but also capture drunk drivers, those not wearing their seatbelt, or people using their mobile phones whilst driving. The scheme was run by Devon and Cornwall Police for a month last December, and could be rolled out nationwide in the coming months and years.

Come and join our WhatsApp channel for the latest car news and reviews...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Consumer reporter

Tom is Auto Express' Consumer reporter, meaning he spends his time investigating the stories that matter to all motorists - enthusiasts or otherwise. An ex-BBC journalist and Multimedia Journalism graduate, Tom previously wrote for partner sites Carbuyer and DrivingElectric and you may also spot him throwing away his dignity by filming videos for the Auto Express social media channels.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025