Vandals destroy town's speed camera with car (From Gazette Series)

Vandals destroy town's speed camera with car

DURSLEY'S only speed camera was destroyed on Monday morning after a stolen car was set alight on Kingshill Road.

The vehicle, which was stolen from Jubilee Road in Dursley, was driven straight into the camera at around 2 am - shortly before the car burst into flames. The fire quickly spread and the camera was wrecked.

Police have now launched an appeal for witnesses to contact them if they have any information about the theft or the fire.

The car, which was completely burnt out in the blaze, was a brown Vauxhall Astra. Police said this week it was stolen sometime after 9.30pm on Sunday.

Gloucestershire Safety Camera Partnership revealed the speed camera could be out of action for up to two months.

A spokesman said: "We have assessed the sight and found the camera to be damaged. Our priority is to replace the camera as quickly as possible but it may take a couple of months.

"In the meantime, we have the option to use a mobile speed camera on the site."

The temporary measure has raised concerns about road safety in the area, particularly as Kingshill Road runs next to Rednock School.

Dursley town councillor Timothy Frankau told the Gazette: "It's a great pity, particularly as speed cameras are put in areas that have a history of road accidents.

"It will certainly be a danger, I just hope that there will be a camera in commission in time for the school summer holidays."

Anyone with information should contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 0845 090 1234, quoting incident number 62 of April 17, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.