Balaclava clad men target mobile speed camera operator in attack
Balaclava-clad men have ambushed a speed camera operator in a frightening roadside confrontation in Melbourne’s southwest as fears grow over angry drivers targeting camera operators in Victoria.
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A speed camera operator was menaced by men in balaclavas who tried to get into her car in a frightening roadside confrontation.
The latest incident, at Hoppers Crossing, comes amid concern at the number of angry drivers swerving at the vehicles of camera operators in Victoria.
The men involved in the Hoppers Crossing altercation tried to get into the terrified victim’s car last Friday morning.
They then bashed on the vehicle and intimidated the victim.
Police are investigating the woman’s ordeal, which her union said had left her injured and traumatised.
The Community and Public Sector union says speed camera operators are approached up to three times a day by angry motorists.
There are up to 30 verbal assaults a week.
In June, there were four incidents in which drivers swerved at speed camera operators’ vehicles.
The Herald Sun last month revealed hooded vandals had smashed windows, slashed tyres and rammed parked vehicles.
A corrosive chemical was poured on one operator’s car.
The CPSU wants operator SERCO to be removed from its contract and for police to take over the role.
The union says police have had trouble getting SERCO to hand over all available footage of speed camera attacks.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said violent behaviour would not be tolerated.
“This must have been an incredibly frightening experience for the speed camera operator involved and my thoughts go out to her,” Ms Neville said.
“No one deserves to be abused or intimidated doing their job – our speed camera operators are keeping the community safe and saving lives on our roads, and violent or threatening behaviour towards them will not be tolerated.”
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