Vandals target German speed cameras, force supplier exit
In the Goerlitz district, located in the eastern part of Germany, a series of attacks on mobile speed cameras is ongoing. Vandals blew up three modern devices using pyrotechnic materials that are banned in Germany. "You can buy them at markets in neighboring Poland," reports "Bild."
The Goerlitz district stretches along the border with Poland for about 53 miles—from Weisswasser through Goerlitz and Loebau to Zittau. The speed cameras were installed, among others, along national roads B6, B98, and B115. Some of them were blown up. The German press reports that the perpetrators used firecrackers.
Dangerous firecrackers, which are banned in Germany, can be purchased at markets in neighboring Poland; they have enormous explosive power. And so, the chaos creators began a hunt for speed cameras in the area, "notes Bild."
According to "Sächsische Zeitung," the destruction took place in Neugersdorf and Friedersdorf, where investigators secured the remnants of pyrotechnic materials.
The most significant destruction was noted in Königshain, where the radar was literally torn apart—no elements remained that would allow a clear determination of the perpetrators' method of operation.
According to information provided by the district spokesperson, two devices can still be repaired. However, the radar from Königshain was completely destroyed. Its value was estimated at around 150,000 euros (170,000 dollars).
Germany. No longer willing to supply radars
Since the equipment was leased, the leasing company bore the financial consequences of the act of vandalism. In response, it announced that it would no longer supply any new mobile radars mounted on trailers to Saxony.
The Goerlitz district is forced to abandon the use of mobile radars because the previous supplier withdrew from cooperation, and there are currently no alternatives on the market that meet safety requirements and are also cost-effective," said district spokesman Stephan Meyer, quoted by "Bild."
For the local government, this is not only a road safety problem but also a blow to the budget. In recent years, the average annual revenue from fines imposed by these devices amounted to about 250,000 euros (285,000 dollars).
