'Bloody dangerous': Road sign vandalism costs Tasman ratepayers $10k
Ratepayers in the Tasman District have been left to foot a $10,000 bill after several road signs were damaged in what the council has described as a “bloody dangerous” act of vandalism.
Tasman District Council described the damage as “utter disrespect” after more than 25 road signs were smashed to the ground.
“Over the past month, we’ve had around 25-30 road signs intentionally damaged between Richmond and Wakefield, costing the community around $10k in unnecessary repairs [and] replacements,” the council said.
It said road signs play an important part in the navigation of the travelling public in the Tasman District.
“They are placed to provide information, guidance, and warnings to drivers, pedestrians and other road users.”
The council said ratepayers were now footing the $10,000 bill for “needless acts of vandalism”, leaving less money for other important road maintenance work, such as filling potholes.
One of the vandalised signs. Photo / Tasman District Council
“And before anyone tries to justify this by blaming us changing the speed limits – many of these damaged signs are not speed signs but stop or give way signs,” it said.
Another of the vandalised signs. Photo / Tasman District Council
The council said damaging road signs could have “devastating” effects.
“Knocking down a stop or give way sign could have devastating effects on people travelling these roads, and there is no excuse,” it said.
The council said the vandalism could have "devastating effects" for road users. Photo / Tasman District Council
Anyone who witnessed people intentionally damaging the signs was urged to contact Tasman District Council and police with details, such as vehicle registration.
Jazlyn Whales is a multimedia journalist based in the Christchurch newsroom.
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