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Speed camera goes up in a flash


A TYRE was thrown over a speed camera and set alight in an early morning vandal attack.

Swindon firefighters from the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the site on the A420 near South Marston at 2.35am yesterday.

They used one hose reel jet to extinguish the flames.

Coun Peter Greenhalgh, Swindon Council’s cabinet member for sustainability, transport and strategic planning, was appalled by the news.

“I think it’s disgusting that people see fit to damage public property,” said the Conservative councillor for Freshbrook and Grange Park.

“If someone has been caught for speeding they should fight it legitimately in court or pay the fine.”

He added that new speed cameras cost between £50,000 and £80,000.

Police are now investigating the attack. Information can be passed on to them by calling 0845 408 7000 or to Crimestoppers, where information can be left anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


Your Say YourSwindon

Bobfm, South Marston says...
7:56am Thu 30 Jul 09

I certainly don't condone the crime, but surely it will not cost anything. They are not being retained. Are they?

hmmmm, Stratton says...
8:09am Thu 30 Jul 09

Funny figures there. I read that new gatso costs £20,000 to install which can rise anything up to £40,000 if in a rural location when they have to run a power supply to it.

PeeGee, Swindon says...
8:43am Thu 30 Jul 09

Whereas I cannot condone criminal damage, why is the camera still there? Not only that, why is the cover removed so it appears to be functioning again?

Cllr Greenhalgh was lauded by the press and TV when he announced the propsed removal of Gatsos - which appears not to have happened (even though it was an argument over cash and not their merits, but the journos missed that one).

So, why doesn't the Adver go back to the Cllr and ask him why cameras appear to have been recommissioned when he has said there is a commitment to remove them? Oh.... that would be journalism, wouldn't it.

I am guessing that the Cllr basks in the glory of his own words, but is a man of little action on this evidence.

Purlieu, Swindon says...
8:58am Thu 30 Jul 09

A politician doubling the figures - and this is a surprise ?

Captain Sensible, Nowhere says...
9:01am Thu 30 Jul 09

Oh dear, how sad, never mind.

Even Angrier Monkey, Swindon says...
9:12am Thu 30 Jul 09

snigger

Mr Blackwell, Swindon says...
9:23am Thu 30 Jul 09

On balance, I think I'll get over this incident and move forward with my life.

As others have pointed out, how long has this 'we're getting rid of speed cameras' charade actually taken?

I'm betting for more money has been spent debating the issue than it will cost to replace this camera - although, why are they actually replacing it when they've told us the cameras are going/have gone?

redrobin24, Swindon/Brighton says...
9:40am Thu 30 Jul 09

i didn't think they were being used anymore, these speed cameras?

thought that as the point of the introduction of those stupid light up signs that tell you the speed limit...

swindonistani, swindon says...
9:45am Thu 30 Jul 09

Mr Blackwell wrote:
On balance, I think I'll get over this incident and move forward with my life. As others have pointed out, how long has this 'we're getting rid of speed cameras' charade actually taken? I'm betting for more money has been spent debating the issue than it will cost to replace this camera - although, why are they actually replacing it when they've told us the cameras are going/have gone?
“I think it’s disgusting that people see fit to damage public property,” said the Conservative councillor for Freshbrook and Grange Park.
AHAHAHAHA
Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal? I suspect the guy is simply not happy that his new taxing machine has been damaged, nothing to do with public property
Coun Peter Greenhalgh YOU ARE FOOLING NO ONE



Mr Blackwell, Swindon says...
10:10am Thu 30 Jul 09

"Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal?"

Probably because Councillors have absolutely nothing to do with either.

Home Boy, Swindon says...
10:10am Thu 30 Jul 09

PeeGee wrote:
Whereas I cannot condone criminal damage, why is the camera still there? Not only that, why is the cover removed so it appears to be functioning again?

Cllr Greenhalgh was lauded by the press and TV when he announced the propsed removal of Gatsos - which appears not to have happened (even though it was an argument over cash and not their merits, but the journos missed that one).

So, why doesn't the Adver go back to the Cllr and ask him why cameras appear to have been recommissioned when he has said there is a commitment to remove them? Oh.... that would be journalism, wouldn't it.

I am guessing that the Cllr basks in the glory of his own words, but is a man of little action on this evidence.
I wondered that. I've seen the Oxford Road cameras flash as cars drive through a few times recently. It doesn't mean there's any film in there, but they're certainly still active. What's going on?

swindonistani, swindon says...
10:18am Thu 30 Jul 09

Mr Blackwell wrote:
"Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal?" Probably because Councillors have absolutely nothing to do with either.
are you certain of that Mr dumbo?
It is my belief that councillors are elected to voice their constituents concerns.

Tugger, Trowbridge says...
10:24am Thu 30 Jul 09

lol, its a shame as if it was 6 months ago he could have got his MP to get a new one on his expenses!

Swindon born n bred, Swindon says...
10:30am Thu 30 Jul 09

To all of those who commented on cameras being taken out of service, has anyone asked whether this one was inside or outside the borough boundary?

Always Grumpy, Swindon says...
11:04am Thu 30 Jul 09

Swindon born n bred wrote:
To all of those who commented on cameras being taken out of service, has anyone asked whether this one was inside or outside the borough boundary?
Alright, I give in. Was it inside or outside the borough boundary?

Bobfm will know.

Well Bob, was it inside or outside the borough boundary?

Mr Blackwell, Swindon says...
11:18am Thu 30 Jul 09

swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote: "Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal?" Probably because Councillors have absolutely nothing to do with either.
are you certain of that Mr dumbo? It is my belief that councillors are elected to voice their constituents concerns.
Yes, but then you also believe in The Great Fairy Jesus.

swindonistani, swindon says...
11:29am Thu 30 Jul 09

Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote: "Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal?" Probably because Councillors have absolutely nothing to do with either.
are you certain of that Mr dumbo? It is my belief that councillors are elected to voice their constituents concerns.
Yes, but then you also believe in The Great Fairy Jesus.
your point being?
You really are a specimen of intolerance
If I was a muslim or a jew, you wouldn't dare writing this!

Even Angrier Monkey, Swindon says...
11:32am Thu 30 Jul 09

Jebus! why have you forsaken me?

Mr Blackwell, Swindon says...
12:19pm Thu 30 Jul 09

swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote: "Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal?" Probably because Councillors have absolutely nothing to do with either.
are you certain of that Mr dumbo? It is my belief that councillors are elected to voice their constituents concerns.
Yes, but then you also believe in The Great Fairy Jesus.
your point being? You really are a specimen of intolerance If I was a muslim or a jew, you wouldn't dare writing this!
Yes I would, I get the distinct impression you'd be the same type of person whatever sky pixie you'd chosen to believe in.

Nice attempted use of the victim card though.

hmmmm, Stratton says...
12:21pm Thu 30 Jul 09

If it was outside SBC's boundary what are they doing sending a swindon fire appliance to it that we pay for with our council tax lol.

itsamess, swindon says...
12:30pm Thu 30 Jul 09

they are new cameras anyway--modern ones!!

ifuwantblood, swindon from above says...
1:01pm Thu 30 Jul 09

The Adver once again reminds us what a pathetic comic it really is..

swindonistani, swindon says...
1:21pm Thu 30 Jul 09

Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote: "Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal?" Probably because Councillors have absolutely nothing to do with either.
are you certain of that Mr dumbo? It is my belief that councillors are elected to voice their constituents concerns.
Yes, but then you also believe in The Great Fairy Jesus.
your point being? You really are a specimen of intolerance If I was a muslim or a jew, you wouldn't dare writing this!
Yes I would, I get the distinct impression you'd be the same type of person whatever sky pixie you'd chosen to believe in. Nice attempted use of the victim card though.
Hmmm the victim card? well you do not believe in democratic representation nor in religious freedom so I think it is justified.
You are just a very arrogant and ignorant character, you defend multiculturalism but yet you are the very one jumping on the intolerant bandwagon when it comes to your own culture.
Just stick to the subject and stop getting personal with me or you will be reported.

Mr Blackwell, Swindon says...
1:33pm Thu 30 Jul 09

swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote: "Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal?" Probably because Councillors have absolutely nothing to do with either.
are you certain of that Mr dumbo? It is my belief that councillors are elected to voice their constituents concerns.
Yes, but then you also believe in The Great Fairy Jesus.
your point being? You really are a specimen of intolerance If I was a muslim or a jew, you wouldn't dare writing this!
Yes I would, I get the distinct impression you'd be the same type of person whatever sky pixie you'd chosen to believe in. Nice attempted use of the victim card though.
Hmmm the victim card? well you do not believe in democratic representation nor in religious freedom so I think it is justified. You are just a very arrogant and ignorant character, you defend multiculturalism but yet you are the very one jumping on the intolerant bandwagon when it comes to your own culture. Just stick to the subject and stop getting personal with me or you will be reported.
Seriously, seek some professional help.

Bobfm, South Marston says...
1:39pm Thu 30 Jul 09

If it's the one to the left of the A420/Old Vicarage Lane junction, the photo is taken from a strange angle, then it's definitely in Swindon. The boundary is Acorn Bridge I believe. which is 1/2 a mile further on towards Shrivenham.

Mind you given I use to be in South Swindon but now in North Swindon who knows for sure. I know I am technically in the Parish of Blunsdon, not South Marston apparently.

swindonistani, swindon says...
2:05pm Thu 30 Jul 09

Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote: "Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal?" Probably because Councillors have absolutely nothing to do with either.
are you certain of that Mr dumbo? It is my belief that councillors are elected to voice their constituents concerns.
Yes, but then you also believe in The Great Fairy Jesus.
your point being? You really are a specimen of intolerance If I was a muslim or a jew, you wouldn't dare writing this!
Yes I would, I get the distinct impression you'd be the same type of person whatever sky pixie you'd chosen to believe in. Nice attempted use of the victim card though.
Hmmm the victim card? well you do not believe in democratic representation nor in religious freedom so I think it is justified. You are just a very arrogant and ignorant character, you defend multiculturalism but yet you are the very one jumping on the intolerant bandwagon when it comes to your own culture. Just stick to the subject and stop getting personal with me or you will be reported.
Seriously, seek some professional help.
try to be constructive in your arguments and try to do away from bullying.
You need to seek help not me!

Mr Blackwell, Swindon says...
2:07pm Thu 30 Jul 09

swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote:
swindonistani wrote:
Mr Blackwell wrote: "Well how come we didnt hear any of them on the banking crisis? expense scandal?" Probably because Councillors have absolutely nothing to do with either.
are you certain of that Mr dumbo? It is my belief that councillors are elected to voice their constituents concerns.
Yes, but then you also believe in The Great Fairy Jesus.
your point being? You really are a specimen of intolerance If I was a muslim or a jew, you wouldn't dare writing this!
Yes I would, I get the distinct impression you'd be the same type of person whatever sky pixie you'd chosen to believe in. Nice attempted use of the victim card though.
Hmmm the victim card? well you do not believe in democratic representation nor in religious freedom so I think it is justified. You are just a very arrogant and ignorant character, you defend multiculturalism but yet you are the very one jumping on the intolerant bandwagon when it comes to your own culture. Just stick to the subject and stop getting personal with me or you will be reported.
Seriously, seek some professional help.
try to be constructive in your arguments and try to do away from bullying. You need to seek help not me!
'Bullying'?

Genius.

Playing the victim card, again.

umpcah, Chippenham says...
2:17pm Thu 30 Jul 09

Having recently been fined for speeding in an empty road at 36mph at 1.45 am in Bath ................

Home Boy, Swindon says...
2:29pm Thu 30 Jul 09

umpcah wrote:
Having recently been fined for speeding in an empty road at 36mph at 1.45 am in Bath ................
Careful, you'll become a suspect!

Tonyblairisthedevil, says...
3:02pm Thu 30 Jul 09

The person who did this should be given a medal...

Purlieu, Swindon says...
3:11pm Thu 30 Jul 09

Let me get this right ...
Cllr Greenhalgh, Swindon Council’s "cabinet member" for, erm, "sustainability, transport and strategic planning", (what?) was appalled by the news. Oh dear.
Well here's the news for you Cllr Greenhalgh ... if you had removed the cameras when you said you were going to, it wouldn't have bloody well been there to get burned in the first place.
FAIL

saymybit, swindon says...
3:22pm Thu 30 Jul 09

i think the new speed limit warnings are broken, I was going at least 34 and it still flashed up 30 !!!!!
what a load of nonsense, if the speed cameras are not being used and creating revenue, then take them down - not rocket science is it?

swindonNF, Swindon says...
4:46pm Thu 30 Jul 09

“I think it’s disgusting that people see fit to damage public property,”

saymybit, swindon says...
4:51pm Thu 30 Jul 09

i totally agree, but it doesnt stop at speed cameras, regulary attacked are bus stops, flower beds, litter bins, childrens parks etc, some people just are scum

bilzinusa, Swindon says...
4:59pm Thu 30 Jul 09

Bobfm wrote:
If it's the one to the left of the A420/Old Vicarage Lane junction, the photo is taken from a strange angle, then it's definitely in Swindon. The boundary is Acorn Bridge I believe. which is 1/2 a mile further on towards Shrivenham.

Mind you given I use to be in South Swindon but now in North Swindon who knows for sure. I know I am technically in the Parish of Blunsdon, not South Marston apparently.
And the answer is ...."when the wind on the mountain blows south to north, the eagle will resort to a steam catapult to cook his omlettes"

Now that should be easier to understand?

'ere, don' make I larf

Trend, Highworth says...
8:36pm Thu 30 Jul 09

According to this link on the BBC website
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/england/wilts
hire/8177247.stm
The camera's are going off tomorrow.

Purlieu, Swindon says...
11:03pm Thu 30 Jul 09

From that BBC link ...
"The town has five cameras ... council say they cost about £320,000 a year to maintain"
So let me get this right, that's £64,000 oer camera JUST TO MAINTAIN.
Surely cheaper to just throw them out and get new ones in each year, since they cost "around £40,000 to buy"

Oh wait ...


Comments are closed on this article.

A traffic camera on the A420 near South Marston was set on fire over night. A traffic camera on the A420 near South Marston was set on fire over night.

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