Perranarworthal speed cameras cut down

BBC Toppled camera poleBBC
The camera poles appeared to have been sawn off

Speed cameras on one of Cornwall's main roads appear to have been cut down.

The two average speed cameras at Perranarworthal, between Truro and Falmouth, were installed in March 2023 after campaigning by local people.

Cornwall councillor for the area Peter Williams said he was "astounded" by the "ridiculous" act.

Head of Road Safety at Devon and Cornwall Police Adrian Leisk said he was "saddened". He added that a police investigation was under way.

Mr Leisk posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Saddened for the local community who championed their installation and campaigned for years to do so.

"These cameras have improved road safety and will be replaced as soon as possible."

He said investigations were under way to identify the "mindless vandals who did this".

Alamy Speed camera on the groundAlamy
The cameras were found on the ground
Yellow speed camera pole
A yellow camera pole was pictured lying in the undergrowth by the road

Mr Williams, from Cornwall Council, said: "This morning I had a call regarding the average speed cameras... that someone's come and cut them off and let them fall onto the ground, possibly damaging the cameras, which is very, very upsetting."

Mr Williams said the cameras had been an "expensive investment", which had taken more than six years to bring to fruition.

Peter Williams
Cornwall councillor Peter Williams said he was "astounded"

He said: "I am astounded. This is ridiculous.

"I have had full assurance that they will be reinstated as soon as possible".

He added: "I have seen people die. When you see people die through accidents it makes you think you've got to do something about it."

He said the cameras "were there for that very reason, so we do not get any reoccurrence of that".

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