2 weeks ago
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Acts of vandalism on privately-operated speed camera cars in Victoria were occurring almost weekly – but new data shows incidents have dropped by approximately 40 per cent from their peak.
The number of incidents involving unmarked speed camera cars being vandalised in Victoria appears to be reducing.
Figures obtained by Drive show there were 24 acts of criminal damage to speed camera cars across the state over the past 12 months – understood to be a decrease on the previous year – while the types of recorded incidents also appear to be less serious.
The issue was at its peak in the 12 months up to June 2022, when there were 41 recorded cases of vandalism – not including one in early June 2022 in which a speed camera car was rammed multiple times and another a week later where an alleged offender smashed windows with a metal rod and slashed its tyres.
Victoria Police has told Drive there have been no reports of physical assaults on camera operators in the past year – however, operators have been left traumatised and forced to quit in the aftermath of attacks on their vehicles.
"These people are simply trying to do their job and keep our roads safe," a spokesperson for Victoria Police said.
"To threaten someone who is not only in their workplace but is also in a relatively vulnerable position seated behind the steering wheel is nothing more than cowardly."
Police on patrol have been asked to check on the welfare of camera operators during their shifts.
"We will not tolerate threatening behaviour – offenders will be held to account and the penalties are significant," the spokesperson added.
Those found guilty of obstructing, hindering, threatening, abusing, or intimidating a person operating a road safety camera can face penalties of almost $12,000.
Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.
