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SPEED TRAP WARNINGS ARE STOLEN
HANNAH WOOD
12:00 - 09 June 2005
Road signs warning motorists that speed cameras are operating in front of a school have been stolen - just two weeks after they were installed. Police said the action was 'irresponsible' and that Kelly College, in Tavistock, had campaigned to have speed cameras in use on a dangerous stretch of the A386 to protect pupils.
The theft of the metal signs, which were nailed to lampposts, happened between Sunday evening and Monday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the Safety Camera Partnership said the thief must have been determined or have no regard for the consequences of his or her actions.
It is a statutory obligation to provide notices indicating where speed cameras are in use.
Without the signs the speed deterrents cannot be used. Replacement signs are due to be put up as soon as possible.
Communications manager for the Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership Natalie Hartwell said: "This is a very serious offence as it is theft of police property.
"The road is used by an average of 600 cars every day and is considered very dangerous, particularly as students at Kelly College cross it to use their sports facilities."
Police are investigating the theft and appealing for any witness to contact their local police station on 08452 777444.
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Interesting. The signs are not required to enable prosecutions. They are only required to enable 'cost recovery'. So clearly it is all about money.