You don’t have to agree with every Government policy. You don’t have to support every council decision. You don’t have to be a fan of mobile speed cameras, cycleways, parking fees, rates increases, or road cones. In a democracy, disagreement is healthy.
Criminal damage is not.
The troubling thing about incidents like these is the attitude behind them. Somewhere along the line, a section of society has decided that if they don’t like a rule, they can ignore it. If they don’t like a policy, they can sabotage it. If they don’t agree with someone, they can abuse them.
It’s the same mindset that sees public toilets trashed, bus shelters smashed, library books defaced, and council staff threatened. The same mentality that leads people to rip down signs, spray graffiti on public buildings, or intimidate workers simply doing their jobs.
The irony is that taxpayers end up footing the bill. Every spray-painted speed camera, broken park bench, smashed bus stop, or vandalised public facility ultimately costs money that could have been spent elsewhere. Roads, parks, libraries, playgrounds, community services. We all pay for the actions of a selfish few.
And let’s be honest about speed cameras. They don’t issue tickets to people obeying the speed limit. The easiest way to avoid a fine remains remarkably simple: drive within the law.
Critics argue that enforcement is about revenue gathering. Perhaps some genuinely believe that. But even if people oppose speed cameras on principle, damaging them achieves nothing. It doesn’t change the law. It doesn’t strengthen your argument. It simply turns a political disagreement into a criminal act.
Public property belongs to everyone. Community facilities belong to everyone. Infrastructure belongs to everyone.
Disagree. Protest. Write submissions. Sign petitions. Vote. Campaign. Argue your case passionately and publicly.
But leave the spray paint can at home, stop slashing tyres, and stop damaging things that belong to everyone.