Man's mobile speed camera act backfires as motorists brand it 'stupid'
Blocking cameras is dangerous, officials have warned.
A Sydney man's defiant attempt to block a mobile speed camera parked on the side of the road has gone down like a lead balloon, with many quick to criticise the "stupid" move on social media.
Seemingly boasting about his efforts, the motorist shared a photo on Facebook taken from within his car which he'd parked behind an unmarked vehicle being used to capture speeding drivers. His aim, it seems, is to stop the camera from capturing drivers passing by.
"The only way to deal with these pests, block them," he said alongside the image however people were quick to point out his simple error.
"That doesn’t block anything other than making it harder for other motorists to see them. The cameras are pointed on an angle, not straight back," one pointed out.
"All you've done is made it so people have more chance of getting caught because they don't see the mobile speed car," another said. Another said, "bonnet up buddy otherwise their scanners still work".
Man's 'stupid' mobile speed camera act ignites debate among Aussie drivers
Speed camera operator accused of 'morally wrong' roadside move
The comment refers to methods previously used by a group of "mobile speed camera blockers" who were ridiculed for using their bonnets, umbrellas or even boats and trailers directly in the camera’s line of sight. A Facebook group called 'Block Their Shot' encouraging drivers to block cameras was previously shut down by the NSW government
Others told the driver to "get a hobby" instead of engaging in "stupid" behaviour. "Is this really worth your time?" another questioned in the comments. "Not the sharpest tool in the shed," said someone else.
Mobile speed camera act is illegal
Blocking mobile speed cameras is illegal across parts of Australia. This includes an attempt to obstruct hinder, threaten, abuse or intimidate a person who is operating a road safety camera or a speed detector.
A spokesperson from Road Safety Centre previously condemned the act, calling it dangerous.
"People have obviously got too much time on their hands...but what they are doing is really dangerous," they said.
Transport for NSW was contacted for comment.
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