Arsonists set fire to the camera on the A217 in Banstead, the Surrey Safety Camera Partnership said.

Project manager Duncan Knox said it was "a dangerous and irresponsible crime" and a replacement camera would be installed as soon as possible.

Motorists Against Detection said they damaged the camera after being called into action by residents.

The group's anonymous leader, Captain Gatso, told BBC Southern Counties Radio that people living near the camera thought it was being used to catch drivers doing "just one or two miles an hour over the limit".

Mr Knox said a mobile unit would be in the area in the meantime to undertake regular enforcement at the site.