City of Greater Sudbury says it's not backing down as people destroy speed cameras

The City of Greater Sudbury says speed cameras that have been damaged from vandalism will continue to be repaired.

On March 22, the city installed six portable speed cameras in different areas of Greater Sudbury, which automatically ticket drivers going beyond the speed limit.

Two of the cameras, located on Main Street in Val Caron, and on Falconbridge Road, have been severely vandalized since they were installed.

Since the city installed the cameras they've inspired strong reactions from residents.

Sudbury resident Jay Preseau created a Facebook Group called Sudbury Speed Cameras that now has more than 1,300 members.

"I did it just as a joke, " Preseau said. "I'm glad that people are getting enjoyment out of the group because everyone needs a bit more fun in their lives."

The group includes a lot of jokes and memes about the cameras, and especially the two that have been especially targeted.

Preseau says there's a lot of frustration about the cameras.

"Speeding is an issue for sure, but with money being as tight as it is these days, like getting a $40 or $50 ticket for doing five over, a lot of people are frustrated because that money can be used for other important things," he said.

Facebook group member Gilles Bisier says the city should be more transparent about the threshold for the cameras.

"Are they going to start ticketing at five, four, three over? Nobody knows," he said.

Bisier says he believes the cameras are a cash grab.

"While we anticipated the vandalism of the cameras there, it is more persistent than I was anticipating," said Joe Rocca, the city's director of linear infrastructure services.

"But we're going to keep going at it."