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Camera attacks 'threaten lives'
Jul 27 2006

Exclusive By Glenn Pearson


AN EXTREMIST campaign group, which has admitted burning speed cameras in East Surrey, has been branded "vigilantes" by an Arson Task Force.

Motorists Against Detection (MAD) has told the Surrey Mirror it was responsible for cameras being burnt in Mickleham, Reigate, Walton-on-the-Hill and one last month on the A217 in Burgh Heath.

Surrey's Arson Task Force says MAD's campaigns director Captain Gatso is a vigilante who is putting lives at even greater risk.

Chris Vince, arson reduction manager for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The actions by MAD are,in simple terms, criminal. There have been 12 speed camera attacks in Surrey over the last two years.

"Each one poses a risk to the motorists, pedestrians, fire crews and indeed the arsonists themselves. This activity has to stop.

"The admission by the group that they are to blame for the speed camera burnt out on the A217 Brighton Road in Burgh Heath last month in addition to other attacks shows they have little idea of the danger they are posing to motorists, passers-by and fire crews."

Speed and red light cameras operated by the Surrey Safety Camera Partnership are part of a campaign to reduce speeds and cut casualties on the roads.

Barry Wood, the county fire brigade's road traffic casualty reduction manager, said: "We deal with more casualties from road traffic collisions than casualties from fires in Surrey and therefore welcome any activity that seeks to help make our roads safer.

"Speed cameras are just one tool to try to help reduce the number of injuries and fatalities across the county."

An initiative between police and Surrey County Council will be launched in November, targeting young drivers with hard-hitting safety messages.

Mr Vince added: "If I could say one thing to Captain Gatso it would be to undertake the group's campaign in another way. They really are putting lives at risk by continuing these acts of destruction."

But Captain Gatso has hit back, saying his group only operates at night and always ensures there is nobody around.

He said: "We are guilty, my lord - but only in respect of terrorising the Government's cash machine by the roadside.These actions will not stop UK wide until we see all cameras removed and see a return to traditional road traffic policing. We always ensure nobody is around, so there is no reason for anyone to get injured as a result of our actions."

Anyone with information about arson attacks should contact the Arson Task Force on 01737 733693 or freephone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

No more criminal than what this government is doing to the British Motorist.

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Useless laws weaken necessary laws.