The pedestrian crossing outside Park Primary School has been the most recent target in a wave of vandalism directed at traffic signal equipment across Cambridgeshire.
The crossing – which uses sensors to help large groups of children cross the road safely – is among around 50 sites damaged since the May Bank Holiday weekend. Across the county, about 200 traffic light detector units have been vandalised.
Police have now released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to as part of their investigation. Anyone who recognises him, or has any information, is urged to get in touch with investigating officers quoting the crime reference number 35/33284/26.
The detector units are mounted on traffic signal poles and are being deliberately damaged by having their cables cut. These sensors are important in traffic management by detecting vehicles and pedestrians waiting at junctions, and allowing traffic lights to respond to real-time demand.
The incident at Park Primary School crossing was reported last Monday (11 May).
The pedestrian detection was beneficial at the crossing because the green man time could be increased to help accommodate large groups of children crossing during busy periods. It is now running on fixed green times for vehicles and pedestrians – which can lead to increased congestion, create delays and potentially affect safety.
Cost
While most incidents have been reported in Cambridge city areas including Cherry Hinton Road, Mill Road, Milton Road and Coldham’s Lane, the vandalism is now happening in other communities, with Histon now among the affected locations.
Repair costs typically start at around £250 per incident, though replacing entire detector units can be up to £1,500. Cambridgeshire County Council says the ongoing damage is putting pressure on maintenance budgets and diverting money from other essential highways work.
A County Council spokesperson said an explanation into why the vandalism is happening would be “speculation at the moment”. But H&I County Councillor Ros Hathorn said she is “saddened” that such an incident has been reported in the village.
She said: “There is a whole load of misinformation and suspicion around our highways infrastructure in Cambridge. I don’t know why traffic lights have been vandalised but I know that it is really expensive to fix them and that that money will be coming out of the budget used to maintain our roads.”
The council is working with police to investigate the incidents and repair damaged equipment as quickly as possible. Ros added when traffic lights fail, council officers “know about it quickly” and the equipment can potentially be fixed within hours subject to the availability of the relevant parts.
Park Primary School has also been approached for comment.
Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image, or has seen any suspicious behaviour near traffic lights over the last few weeks, is urged to report this to the police online, or by calling 101 and quoting the crime reference number 35/33284/26.
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