Someone Is Covering Speed Cameras Up With Fake Flowers

Someone on Staten Island in New York is putting bunches of fake flowers in front of speed cameras to prevent violators from being ticketed. It’s almost like a modern day Robin Hood situation where an outlaw is trying to prevent the rich government from taking money from the everyday citizens, or at least that’s how some people see it. Others just think it’s illegal and wrong.

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The bunches of fake flowers are attached to a piece of trim secured to the pole using duct tape. Attached to that is a note saying, “Brought to you by the Staten Island Beautification Squad.” That hints at the possibility this is being done by more than one person and is a coordinated effort.

The New York City Department of Transportation provided a strongly-worded statement to CBS New York, condemning the vigilante activities: “Speeding kills. Tampering with speed cameras is unacceptable and puts lives at risk. We are actively working with the NYPD and the perpetrators will be held accountable for jeopardizing public safety.”

According to Staten Island Borough President Vito Fosella, the speed enforcement cameras were originally installed around school zones to help keep children safe. However, as happens so often, the local government has slowly installed them all over the place.

Fosella told CBS New York that while he doesn’t agree with the practice of blocking the cameras, he understands why people are frustrated and acting out. After all, many citizens are tired of constant monitoring and being treated as a revenue source for government at any level.

In other words, many feel the speed enforcement cameras aren’t about saving lives or public safety at all. They feel it’s just another way for the city to fatten its coffers.

Others disagree and think the speed cameras slow down drivers, preventing crashes and keeping pedestrians safe. We’ve seen similar debates elsewhere, including in other countries, so it’s not a surprise not everyone agrees on the use of speed enforcement cameras.

Images via CBS New York/YouTube