A DEVON speed camera which has been ‘out of action’ for over three years should be fixed and brought back into use.

The camera, in the village of Kenton, near Exeter, was ‘bashed’ by a vehicle in 2019 and remains out of action, says local councillor Alan Connett.

With patience thinning, he has submitted a formal question to Devon County Council about the future of the speed camera on the busy A379 running through the village.

Cllr Connett said: ‘The new camera, as it was then, was very much welcomed by the community when it was installed shortly after the Powderham Farm Shop opened.

‘However, it’s been out of action for around three years now and it is clearly serving no useful purpose.

‘Anyone can see that because the camera housing is ‘off beam’ there can’t possibly be a camera in use.’

‘This is effectively a starter’s flag to any driver or motorcyclist tempted to speed off from the traffic lights towards the village centre.’

The councillor, who serves the Exminster & Haldon division on Devon County Council, has been chasing progress on the speed camera repair for the past few years.

‘Even allowing for the limitations during Lockdown, Kenton residents deserve to know what the plan is for the speed camera and, better still, to see the camera housing sorted so it at least looks like there could be a camera inside,’ added Cllr Connett.

His question has been submitted for response during the county council’s Cabinet meeting next Wednesday (September 14).

‘I know highways officers have a lot on their plate, but I was told in July last year that there was to be a review. Devon County Council said it has recommended the speed camera is removed from Kenton.

‘However, the I am told the whole thing now rests the Vision Zero South West (VZSW) road safety partnership for Devon & Cornwall, which the County Council is a member of.

‘This all seems very bureaucratic to me. What the community want is the speed camera fixed and back in use.

‘At the moment we have the worst of all worlds with a camera box that is clearly damaged and can’t be used.

‘I hope that at the county Cabinet next week, the years of delay will be brought to an end and the order issued for the speed camera to be fixed.’