A transport chief blasts vandals who bring down a life-saving Wigan speed camera for the second time

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Police are hunting saboteurs after a Wigan speed camera was vandalised for the second time this year.

The criminal damage to the safety device on Whelley is the fifth such attack in the last eight months.

A transport chief today described the crime as “beyond reckless,” saying that speed is the biggest cause of deaths on Wigan’s roads.

Wigan train conductor speaks about facing violent passengers ^[2] The Whelley speed camera reinstated earlier this year. Now it has gone again after a second act of criminal damage

New cameras which can catch speeders travelling in both directions were installed at key locations last autumn, but at the beginning of this year, four of them – on Spring Road in Kitt Green, Wallgate in Wigan, Warrington Road at Goose Green and the one on Whelley – had all been sawn down.

In the case of the last of these, the pole fell into the road which was covered with snow and ice at the time, creating a lethal hazard.

A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the Warrington Road attack and later bailed.

Following this latest incident – which was reported to police on June 21, Peter Boulton, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Highways Network Director, said: “We strongly condemn the irresponsible actions of those who vandalise safety cameras, which are used to stop people speeding, reduce collisions and make our roads safer for everyone who uses them.

The Whelley speed camera the first time it was felled in January

“Speeding in particular is a cause in most fatal collisions on our roads, and in Wigan alone 57 people were needlessly killed or serious injured between 2020 and 2022 as a result of speeding.

“This is the second time this specific camera has been vandalised. The camera has been temporarily removed and discussions between TfGM, the police and the local authority around its reinstatement are ongoing. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing or repairing these cameras falls on the taxpayer.

“It is beyond reckless for these people to vandalise these spot speed safety cameras, and I would urge them to consider the potential consequences of there being one less camera on our roads and how they would feel if the next person killed by someone speeding is a friend, relative or loved one.”

Safer Roads GM say the camera has been temporarily removed and they are now in talks with Greater Manchester Police and Wigan Council about its reinstatement.

Anyone with details on the attack are asked to ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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