A FAKE speed camera has been installed on a major Hampshire road.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed this week that the camera, which was attached to a lamp post beside the northbound carriageway of the A343, did not belong to them.

A spokesperson for the police said: “I can confirm we do not have a fixed camera at that location.”

The fake camera was erected last weekend beside the 30mph road, which is regarded by residents in Enham Alamein as a speeding hotspot.

As previously reported, the road is often targeted by police mobile speed cameras and a Freedom of Information request to Hampshire Constabulary revealed that 328 drivers had been caught speeding through the village between 2013 and 2015.

As of yet no-one has claimed responsibility for the fake camera however Chairman of Enham Alamein Parish Council, Leslie Francis, said that the authority are taking steps to try and reduce the level of speeding through the village.

She said: “Speeding is a big issue here. That’s probably why the person put the camera up.

“Unfortunately we are subject to large numbers of people who speed through our village.

“We are supported by the police who enforce whenever they can, but it is still a problem.

“The parish council agreed last week to purchase a speed indicator which will be installed at the north end of the village.

“We are also hoping to get permission to move it to the south end of the village so we can use it in different locations.”

Meanwhile Test Valley Borough Council representative for Alamein ward, councillor Phil North, said: “From my point of view if it is fake I am keen to see it taken down.

“Drivers often have a tendency to brake heavily when they see a speed camera and that can be dangerous.”

However councillor North said he is also keen to see more legitimate anti-speeding measures introduced in the village.

He added: “I think there is an issue with speeding in the village.

“There is this issue in every village with trying to make sure that drivers stick to the speed limit but it’s particularly important in Enham given its nature and the number of people with disabilities who live there.

“I know the parish council are investing in speed indicators off the back of a £500 grant from Test Valley.

“I think it is great that the parish council are trying to do something about it.”

Meanwhile residents in the village have shown their support for the fake camera on social media.

Emma Hale commented on Facebook: “I live right by this speed camera and the positive effect it has had is unbelievable.

“The amount of people who have nearly hit me while I’m trying to reverse out of my drive is ridiculous.

“Since the camera has been put up you can literally hear how much slower people are travelling through the village as opposed to hearing the vehicles screeching through.

“Fake camera or not, it should stay.”

Despite their wishes the fake speed camera was removed on Wednesday.