Central Avenue speed camera vandalized with spray paint

It appears a speed camera on Central Avenue has been vandalized in its second run at catching led-footed motorists.

Multiple reports on social media have shown images of the camera’s lens being covered in white spray paint.

Niagara Regional Police media relations officer Constable Jesse Vujasic told Fort Erie Radio at about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday that police were unaware of the vandalism.

A spokesperson for Niagara Region, which installs and operates these speed cameras as part of their Vision Zero initiative, acknowledged an inquiry from Fort Erie Radio on Tuesday but had not provided a statement on the vandalism at 3:30 p.m.

There have been various media reports across the province of similar acts of vandalism to speed cameras.

In April, two speed cameras were cut down in Smithville, and again in May.

One in Welland was also damaged in May.

The Central Avenue camera was in operation for three months starting in January, part of a cycle that sees them moved around the region for periods of time.

It was put back in operation in July and will be in place until the end of the year. The camera is one of four in the region, along with ones in Welland, Grimsby, and Niagara Falls.

Speed cameras are placed in community safety zones, which often include school zones, but may also include areas such as retirement homes, daycares or recreational areas such as parks.

In these areas, fines are doubled for speeding and traffic related offences.

The program will expand to eight cameras in 2025 and 12 cameras in 2026. In the first two years of the program, cameras are operating on regional roads only. By year three, cameras will also rotate to select local roads.

The Region says that revenue generated by fines will be reinvested into other road safety initiatives.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe