A man who rejoiced at blocking a mobile speed camera was instead described as ‘stupid’.
The Sydney motorist shared a photo of his car, parked behind the unmarked vehicle in which the mobile speed camera was installed, on social media.
Believing his car was blocking the camera from accurately recording the speeds of other drivers, the man wrote that this was “the only way to deal with these pests.”
Other users quickly hit back at the motorist, saying he wasn’t obstructing the camera’s line of sight and that he should “find a hobby” instead.
A man who delighted in blocking a mobile speed camera was instead described as ‘stupid’
Social media users said the man had instead done the opposite of what he intended and made it easier for motorists to be caught speeding.
‘That doesn’t block anything other than making it harder for other motorists to see them. The cameras are pointed at an angle and not straight back,” one user wrote.
“All you’ve done is make people more likely to get caught because they don’t see the mobile speeder,” said a second.
“Is this really worth it?” A third wondered.
Although blocking mobile speed cameras is illegal in parts of Australia, images of motorists lifting the bonnet of their car or using umbrellas to disable the camera have been circulating on social media.
A now-deleted Facebook group called ‘Block Their Shot’ encouraged users to take part in the illegal act.
Speed camera blocking became illegal a few years ago (file photo)
The group disbanded in 2015 after more than 50,000 people joined to cheer on those parking behind the cameras.
“I’m shocked that people would support such a primitive campaign – it’s not cool or funny, it’s stupid and dangerous,” then NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay said at the time.
“If they don’t stop this stupidity, I will take action.”
Speed camera blocking became illegal shortly afterwards, with a 32-year-old Wanneroo man charged with obstructing a public official and having his car impounded for 28 days for parking in front of a camera in 2016.