FURIOUS residents of a rural village have put up fake speed cameras outside their homes to slow down speeding drivers.
The villagers of Shurdington, Gloucestershire say they are sick of reckless drivers screaming down the road at 80mph despite the speed limit being 30.
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The fake cameras appeared on Saturday night and were, in fact, shoeboxes painted yellow with black circles to make them look like the real thing.
Residents say that since they put them up, there had been a noticeable decrease in speeding.
Local volunteers, who ran hour-long speed monitoring sessions three times a week, found more than 1,600 cases of speeding along Shurdington Road.
The cameras have since been removed.
This follows a similar case in Dorset, in which a fake camera was taken down due to the risk of it distracting drivers.
A Shurdington Parish Council spokesperson said they do not endorse the action but are “thrilled” people are reacting to the problem of speeding.
Robert Vines, a Gloucestershire county councillor commented on the enforcement of speed limits, saying: “There’s no easy answer to the problem.
“Some people might suggest speed humps or speed cameras.
“But cameras are only any good if it has film in it and it is enforced.”
ARE FAKE SPEED CAMERAS ILLEGAL?
Fake speed cameras are not illegal in the UK, but their use is discouraged by the police.
In addition to the cops’ warning, those putting up the counterfeit cams could face a legal action and fines for misusing council property.
Legal action can also be taken if a driver says they were distracted by the fake camera, leading to an accident or damage.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “Speeding is one of the ‘fatal four’ causes of road deaths and injury in the county along with using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt and drink or drug driving.
“Driving within the set limit allows you to stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear providing time to react and avoid a collision with another road user.
“Speed limits are set for a reason and exceeding them is illegal.
“The minimum penalty for speeding is £100 fine and three points added to your licence. Receiving 12 or more points within three years may disqualify you from driving.”
Official advice is for communities to contact their local policing teams if they are worried about speeding in their area.
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