Mayor condemns Cornwall speed camera 'vandalism'

The speed camera appeared to have been chopped down

A mayor has condemned the chopping down of a speed camera in Cornwall's second such incident this month.

A camera on the A394 between Helston and Trewennack was damaged on Friday morning, police confirmed.

Devon and Cornwall police, who cordoned off the area, said they were "deeply concerned about the recent surge in criminal damage".

Mayor of Helston Miles Kenchington said the act was "illegal" and "a form of vandalism".

He added: "I don't think it's big, I don't think it's clever."

He suggested it could have been a "copycat" incident following a spate across the country or a vengeful act from someone who had been "done for speeding".

Earlier in October, two average speed cameras at Perranarworthal, between Truro and Falmouth, appeared to have been chopped down.

The incident was branded vandalism by Helston mayor Miles Kenchington

Superintendent for local policing Ian Thompson said: "These acts not only endanger the public but also divert resources from critical police activity.

"It disrupts the local community and road users and places a burden on the taxpayer for the repair costs."

On the latest incident, Adrian Liesk, head of road safety for Devon and Cornwall Police, said the case would be "taken seriously" and the camera would be replaced.

Cornwall councillor Loveday Jenkin, meanwhile, described it as "incredibly frustrating".

She added: "I can understand that people might think it's an intrusion of big state but this was a community project.

"People campaigned for ages to get some traffic calming... in Trewennack because of the safety issues for the local population."

The cameras in Perranarworthal were installed in March 2023 after campaigning from residents.

Devon and Cornwall Police reinstalled the cameras with reinforced steel on the A39.

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

Enquiries remain ongoing and police are appealing for witnesses.