An irresponsible vandal who sabotaged a speed sign in Stafford to read 80mph rather than 30mph could have killed someone – police and council officials have warned.

Confused motorists travelling along the A513 through Weeping Cross towards Walton-on-the-Hill yesterday were confronted by the defaced sign which is located directly before a static speed camera.

The Stafford Express & Star alerted police and Staffordshire Highways about the danger it posed and officials were sent out to change it yesterday afternoon.

Jeremy Herbert, spokesman for Staffordshire Highways, said: “This person may think it is funny but they could be responsible for a fatality.

“If someone believes the sign and then speeds up they could get a ticket and could even kill someone. It is an extremely irresponsible and criminal act.

“Changing road signs creates confusion, uncertainty and the potential for serious accident.”

Les Dyble, traffic management officer for Staffordshire Police, said: “It is a very, very irresponsible and dangerous thing to do.

“People who are sensible and drive normally will realise that there is no such limit as 80mph on our roads.”

Stafford Borough Council leader and ward member for Weeping Cross, Judith Dalgarno, said: “It is a very, very stupid thing to do. It is a very dangerous road.”