Vandals hit speed trailer

By Dion Teasdale
VANDALS have damaged a Shire of Yarra Ranges speed safety trailer which is used to help educate motorists about speeding.
The speed safety trailer, worth $18,000, was extensively damaged when it was parked at the side of Swansea Road in Lilydale near the scene of a recent fatal car crash.
The smash was the third along that stretch of road in six months.
Councillor and road safety committee chairman Terry Avery labelled the attack on the trailer as mindless.
The trailer, which displays the approaching speed of cars, was overturned causing extensive damage to its electronic display panel, battery unit, hinges and locks.
It is expected to be out of action for up to two weeks.
“This mindless act is disappointing for everyone concerned. The speed trailer plays a key role in helping spread road safety messages and encouraging motorists to slow down,” Cr Avery said.
“What makes the attack far worse is that the trailer was set up near where a young driver lost his life last week.
“The shire’s speed safety trailers play a critical role in better educating road users and deterring speeding.
“The loss of this trailer not only costs the council and rate payers money it also hampers our road safety work.”
Cr Avery has called on anyone who saw the incident to contact Lilydale police on 9735 1066.