URGENT UPDATE: A speed camera on Victoria Road in Plymouth was vandalized early Saturday morning, November 1, 2023, triggering outrage among local residents. This incident follows the tragic deaths of a young mother, Destiny Harrison, and her five-year-old daughter, Linnea, earlier this year, a loss that had prompted the installation of the camera to enhance safety on the road.
According to police reports, two individuals were seen damaging the camera’s supporting lamp post around 12:10 AM before fleeing the scene. Although the speed camera itself remained intact, authorities deemed the structure unsafe, leading to its removal by highway contractors who cut off power to the system.
This speed camera had been installed in response to persistent community concerns regarding speeding on Victoria Road, a street notorious for serious accidents. It was part of a trial run initiated in July 2023, with two cameras provided free of charge to the Devon and Cornwall Police by a new supplier. Local officials had targeted this area due to multiple crashes, including the fatal incident involving Harrison and Linnea, which occurred in March 2024. A 74-year-old woman was arrested in connection with that collision.
Local councillor John Stephens expressed dismay, stating residents had raised concerns about speeding “for some time.” The council confirmed that the camera was installed as part of a broader strategy to address these issues, emphasizing the community’s desire for effective speed regulation.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Plymouth City Council condemned the vandalism as a reckless act that endangers public safety and burdens taxpayers with replacement costs. The council affirmed its support for the police investigation and urged the community to report suspicious activities.
“This was a reckless act of vandalism that seriously endangered the public,”
the spokesperson stated. “The column will be replaced and the camera reinstalled once recalibrated.”
Community reactions have been swift and diverse. Commenter Princewalter stated, “Those who cut the camera down go against what everyone in the area wanted. Let’s hope they are found.” Others expressed frustration over perceived lax enforcement of speeding laws, with Monty Graham questioning the camera’s placement, suggesting it was more of a cash grab than a safety measure.
Calls for stronger penalties against speeding drivers have also surfaced. Commenter StickyPixie89 lamented the transformation of Victoria Road into a “racetrack,” highlighting the dangers faced by local residents. The emotional weight of the issue was echoed by HeadRI, who shared a personal connection to the topic, having lost a relative to a speeding driver.
As the investigation unfolds, community members are left grappling with the implications of this act of vandalism. The removal of the speed camera raises questions about public safety and the effectiveness of measures put in place to protect residents.
WHAT’S NEXT: Plymouth authorities are expected to expedite the investigation into the vandalism while working to replace the damaged column and restore the speed camera. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to help ensure community safety.
This developing story highlights the ongoing battle between public safety measures and reckless behavior that endangers lives. The community’s response will be critical in shaping future actions taken by local authorities.
