Another Ottawa Photo Radar Camera Falls Victim to Vandalism Spree in Orleans

Ottawa's automated speed enforcement cameras seem to be developing an unfortunate magnet for defacement, with the latest incident seeing a unit on Des Épinettes Avenue in Orleans fall victim to spray paint. This act of vandalism, which effectively blinded the camera, marks another chapter in a growing saga of deliberate attacks on the city's traffic safety infrastructure.

Residents in the Orleans area woke to discover the photo radar camera on Des Épinettes Avenue obscured by paint, rendering it temporarily inoperable.

For many, this sight has become all too familiar, as this isn't an isolated event but rather the most recent strike in a series of similar vandalisms plaguing Ottawa's network of speed enforcement devices.

Over the past year, numerous automated speed enforcement cameras across the capital have been targeted.

From Kitchissippi to Greenbank Road, and Bayshore Drive, these vital tools for traffic calming and road safety have repeatedly faced intentional damage. Each incident not only disrupts efforts to curb speeding in school zones and community safety zones but also imposes a direct cost on taxpayers for repair and cleaning – resources that could otherwise be allocated to other essential city services.

These cameras are strategically placed to encourage safer driving habits, particularly in areas identified as high-risk or frequented by vulnerable populations like children.

Their purpose is clear: to deter excessive speed and enhance overall road safety, not to be a canvas for disgruntled individuals.

The Ottawa Police Service has confirmed they are actively investigating these repeated acts of vandalism. The deliberate nature of these attacks suggests a concerted effort to undermine traffic enforcement, prompting authorities to treat these incidents with increasing seriousness.

As the city continues its efforts to promote safer streets, the ongoing challenge of protecting these enforcement tools remains a pressing concern for both law enforcement and the community.