Vandals destroy roadside weather stations

Vandals have destroyed three roadside weather stations across County Durham

Three weather monitoring stations have been destroyed by vandals believed to have mistaken them for speed cameras.

Durham County Council said the monitors in Bradbury, Toronto and Tow Law had all been "deliberately damaged" over the last couple of months.

It said the cameras played a "vital role" in keeping roads safe during the winter as they helped the local authority decide when gritting crews should be deployed.

"The cameras are not used to monitor the speed of vehicles or for any other law enforcement purposes," a council spokesperson said.

"They take precise readings of road and air temperatures, so we can determine the best time to send out our gritting crews.

"This helps to ensure the gritting process is as effective as possible in keeping roads clear of snow and ice."

The council shared an image of one of the monitoring stations, which had toppled over a wall and into a field containing sheep. The pole of the station had been sawed in half.

Temporary signs are displayed on the monitors, which explain they are weather stations, but the council is now arranging for permanent signs to be installed.

"We have nine weather stations across the county, and it's important they remain operational to provide accurate weather data for everyone's safety and convenience," the spokesperson said.

Anyone who sees weather stations being damaged has been asked to contact the council.