Sudbury police investigating arson after speed camera set on fire

Six speed cameras set up around Greater Sudbury have drawn a lot of ire from residents, attracting some vandalism and police are now investigating after one was set on fire overnight.

One of Sudbury's six speed cameras after it was set on fire after being placed on MR80 in McCrea Heights. July 19, 2024. (Shelley Mayer/CTV Northern Ontario)

After being set up in March, the automated speed enforcement systems are now being moved to different locations in the city as part of a four-month rotation.

One was moved Thursday to its new location on MR80 in the McCrea Heights area, between Robin Avenue and Hubert Street, but is not yet operational.

Sudbury police received an arson call shortly after midnight July 19 – just hours later – spokesperson Sarah Kaelas told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in an email.

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"Information provided from the caller was that two individuals on an ATV had been observed setting the speed camera on fire and then fled the scene," Kaelas said.

"Greater Sudbury Fire Services arrived on scene to put out the fire prior to police arrival."

The speed camera sustained substantial damage, which does not result in additional costs to the city.

"As the cameras are leased by the city from the camera vendor, cleaning or repairs related to vandalism are included in the lease agreement," City of Greater Sudbury spokesperson Cassandra Maki told CTV News in an email.

"If residents notice that a camera has been vandalised, they can report it by calling 311 or by emailing [e-mail]. In the case of this ASE camera, the vandalism that occurred posed a danger to public safety and should be reported to 911."

No person was injured in the incident.

CTV News viewer Ethan Kydd said he was driving home and had made sure he slowed down for the speed camera when he saw it on fire, in a message to CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca.

Greater Sudbury Fire Services crews work to put out a blaze after a Greater Sudbury speed camera placed on MR80 in McCrea Heights t was set on fire on July 19, 2024. (Ethan Kydd/Facebook)

Kydd also noted the Sudbury fire department's great response in his message.

Officers have been canvassing the neighbourhood for information and video surveillance footage as the investigation continues.

The cameras have been moved from the old locations to their new ones, but are not yet active, Maki said.

Four of the five new locations are located in Minnow Lake.

The speed cameras will now be located at:

• Garson Coniston Road between Maki Street and Falconbridge Road
• Howey Drive between Somerset Street and Downing Street
• Two on Bancroft Drive between Bellevue Avenue and the Kingsway and between Hazelton Drive and Estelle Street
• Moonlight Avenue between Claude Street and Gagne Street

The automated systems use a camera and speed measurement device to detect and capture images of vehicles travelling faster than the posted speed limit.

The amount of the fine depends on the excess speed and range from $40 for travelling five km/h more than the posted limit to $170 for travelling 25 km/h more than the limit.

Tickets are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 30 days. It doesn't matter who was driving and no demerit points are issued.

"There is no set fine for instances where a vehicle has exceeded the posted speed limit by 50 km/h or more," the city said on its website.

"In these circumstances, a summons will be served to the registered vehicle owner to appear before the court."