Mystery camera isn't a speed trap near village pub, says council - but what is it?

Mystery camera near Hudson Arms on Mill Lane, between Baildon and Hawksworth, is not a speed camera, Leeds City Council says; Openreach is investigating.

Residents questioned whether the installation was a speed camera after photos were shared online. <i>(Image: T&A)</i>

(Image: T&A)

Residents have been left scratching their heads after a device resembling a speed camera appeared on a roadside pole near the Hudson Arms.

Photographs of the equipment on Mill Lane, between Baildon and Hawksworth, were shared on a local community Facebook group, prompting speculation about whether it was an officially authorised speed enforcement camera.

The images quickly attracted attention, with some residents questioning whether the device had been legally installed and who was responsible for it.

Council rules out speed camera link

Following enquiries, Leeds City Council has confirmed the installation is neither a speed camera nor connected to the authority.

The mystery device mounted on a pole on Mill Lane near the Hudson Arms. (Image: T&A)

A council spokesperson said highways officers had reviewed the device and determined it was not part of any council-operated enforcement scheme.

The authority also confirmed it was not responsible for installing or operating the equipment.

Openreach asked to investigate

While the device remains something of a mystery, Leeds City Council believes it may be linked to telecommunications infrastructure.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “Colleagues in highways have looked at this and we can confirm this camera installation is nothing to do with Leeds City Council and is not a speed camera.

A closer view of the mystery device that has sparked speculation among residents. (Image: T&A)

“We have referred it to Openreach to look into, as it may be theirs or they may look into where it has come from.”

Questions remain unanswered

At this stage, it remains unclear who installed the device or what its purpose is.

The Telegraph & Argus has contacted Openreach to establish whether the equipment belongs to the communications company and to seek clarification on its use.

Until then, the mystery surrounding the unusual roadside installation remains unsolved.