A controversial AI-enabled speed camera outside a Southend school has been “cut down” for a second time, just 12 hours after it was reinstalled.
This time, whoever targeted the device appears to have gone even further.
After anti-theft measures were fitted beneath the camera following the first incident, the entire lamppost supporting the camera was cut down instead.
The camera is located on Eastern Avenue, outside Cecil Jones School, and had only recently been put back in place after it was removed by unknown people in April.
Contractors working on behalf of Southend City Council were seen at the scene assessing the damaged lamppost following the latest incident.
The camera forms part of a wider road safety trial being carried out by the Safer Essex Road Partnership and Essex Police. Using artificial intelligence technology, the system is designed to help identify potential driving offences, with images then reviewed before any enforcement action is considered.
The trial was introduced as part of wider efforts to improve road safety across Essex, where 60 people lost their lives on the county’s roads last year.
Southend City Council has previously said it supports the installation of the camera, although responsibility for enforcement lies with the Safer Essex Road Partnership and Essex Police.
The latest act of vandalism is likely to raise fresh questions about the future of the trial and whether the camera will now be installed for a third time.
The incident has also reignited debate among local residents, with opinions remaining sharply divided over the use of AI technology for road traffic enforcement.
Rob Moore said: “I think this proves that the local authorities do not have full support of the public to implement this kind of technology and instead of just forcing it on everybody there should be a campaign now to understand what this technology does and how effective it is.”
Valerie Doreen said: “These speed cameras are for revenue collection, nothing more.”
Others argued that drivers have nothing to fear if they obey the law.
Stuart Craven said: “Stick to the speed limit, you got nothing to worry about.”
It remains unclear whether the damaged camera will be replaced again.