Imagine a community so fed up with speeding drivers that they took matters into their own hands—literally. In Catford, south-east London, residents installed a fake speed camera that, surprisingly, worked better than any official measure. But here's where it gets controversial: the council removed it within days, sparking a heated debate about road safety, community action, and the limits of local authority intervention. Here’s the full story.
Earlier this month, a mysterious fake speed camera appeared on Sandhurst Road, perched in a planter beside the road. Crafted from what appeared to be plywood and mounted on a pole nearly as tall as a double-decker bus, it was hard to miss. While no one has claimed responsibility for its installation, its impact was immediate. Alison Howard, a local resident, told BBC London that the camera made 'a massive difference,' visibly slowing down traffic on the 20mph (32km/h) road. Another resident, Matthew, echoed this sentiment, calling it 'bliss' and noting how cars and buses adhered to the speed limit, making the road feel safer and quieter.
But the peace was short-lived. Installed on November 10, the camera was removed just two days later by Lewisham Council. This decision has left residents frustrated, with many arguing that the council is failing to address their concerns effectively. According to council data, 1,187 vehicles were caught speeding at 25mph or above in just one week in February 2024, highlighting the urgency of the problem.
And this is the part most people miss: While the council has threatened legal action against those responsible for the fake camera, citing safety risks, residents feel they’ve been left with no other choice. William Bloomfield, co-founder of the Together for Verdant Lane community group, pointed out that the camera’s installation reflects the community’s deep frustration with the council’s inaction. 'People have started taking the law into their own hands because the people with the authority to make change are notably absent,' he said.
Lewisham Council has defended its actions, stating that it ‘strongly discourages’ fake signs or cameras and is not responsible for installing speed cameras. Instead, they’ve referred residents’ concerns to Transport for London (TfL) and are introducing measures to calm traffic and address inconsiderate parking. TfL, meanwhile, has emphasized its commitment to road safety, noting that safety camera locations are strategically chosen for maximum impact.
But here’s the question that’s dividing opinions: Is the council’s removal of the fake camera a necessary enforcement of the law, or a missed opportunity to acknowledge and address a legitimate community concern? Some argue that the camera, despite its legality, achieved what official measures have failed to do. Others worry that such DIY solutions could set a dangerous precedent or lead to unintended consequences.
What’s clear is that the residents of Sandhurst Road are desperate for change. As Matthew put it, 'All we want is somewhere safe and pleasant to live.' The fake camera may be gone, but the conversation it sparked is far from over. What do you think? Should communities take matters into their own hands when authorities fail to act, or is this a line that shouldn’t be crossed? Let us know in the comments.
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