Hamilton photo-radar cameras ‘still a target’ for vandals despite rise in deadly collisions
Vandals are still regularly damaging Hamilton's photo-radar cameras despite public outcry over a record number of pedestrians killed by vehicles this year.
The city's two automated speed enforcement (ASE) units are among the newest tools Hamilton is using to try to cut dangerous speeding, which was to blame for 17 per cent of all collisions reported to police between 2016 and 2020.
Many residents are demanding more road safety measures after a spate of deadly collisions this year that have killed nine pedestrians on Hamilton streets and sidewalks. But that didn't stop vandals from spray-painting the screen on a photo-radar camera on Jerseyville Road in Ancaster this week.
They are still a target for some people who I guess don't agree with their use," said Mike Field, acting director of transportation operations for the city. It hasn't stopped."
Vandals repeatedly painted, knocked over and ripped out the electronic guts of the battered boxes after the city started experimenting with photo radar in late 2020 and the first half of last year.
Field said most cases of vandalism this year have been limited to painting or covering the camera screen, rather than the more damaging" efforts last year that included ramming with vehicles and, in one case, literally setting the box aflame.
That means the city's contractor can usually get the cameras flashing again within half a day.
Field said he is hopeful there will be less damage done overall this year, in part because of lessons learned" during the trial run last year.
Cameras are harder to protect in rural areas with little natural surveillance" such as nearby homes or businesses, for example. In urban areas with more asphalt and concrete, the bulky boxes can also be bolted down, if needed.
In general, Field said the city is watching the cameras more closely - as are Hamilton police, he added.
City council voted to make the photo-radar cameras part of a permanent program last fall, pointing to generally reduced speeds along monitored stretches of road. Some critics labelled the program a cash grab, but the city ended up spending $600,000 more on the cameras than it recouped in fines.
Next month, the two cameras will move to Old Ancaster Road and Mohawk Road East.
Matthew Van Dongen is a transportation and environment reporter at The Spectator. mvandongen@thespec.com