Gatso burned in second revenge attack

The 40mph Gatso camera was set on fire in the early of hours of Tuesday (20) last week. Firefighters from Sunbury were called and managed to douse the flames before it burned to the ground, but the device has been damaged beyond repair.

Resident Martin Hingham said: "Someone has really got it in for this camera. It's quite incredible for someone to go to these lengths to take revenge.

"I personally can't stand them but it seems quite extreme to go and set one on fire."

The arson follows on from the incident in March last year when thugs, believed to be seeking revenge after it flashed them, possibly used a vehicle to rip the camera from the pavement.

Terry Jones, who drives to route into Shepperton from his home in Sunbury most days, said: "I remember thinking it was quite funny the last time but this could have been quite dangerous if the fire had caught anything else. There are quite a few bushes and trees nearby, not to mention houses.

"Someone seems to be sending some sort of message to the authorities. It makes you wonder what they're going to do next."

The camera was installed in 1997 yet, conversely, accidents on the road have increased from 2.7 per year before installation to 3.7 since.

Surrey Police, who want witnesses to come forward, confirmed the Safety Camera Partnership was aware of the damage.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference SL/09/8527, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.