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A teenage crusader has been hailed as a national hero after it was revealed he spends his spare time warning motorists of speed traps.
Rain, hail, or shine, 17-year-old Beau Jackson can be found on NSW's Central Coast hunting down hidden speed cameras that are hoping to collect revenue from unsuspecting drivers.
The teen told A Current Affair it's his way of helping people who may be struggling financially.
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"I want to look out for people as it's a pretty hard time right now," Jackson said.
"People can cop a $170 fine for just going four kilometres over the limit and right now people are struggling so I just want to help them."
Passing motorists often express their thanks to the helpful teen by yelling messages of support or with a honk and a wave.
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Some have expressed concern that what the Central Coast LAD is doing could be illegal - but never fear, Jackson has already cleared it with the police.
"They think I'm doing the community a service as I'm actually making people slow down," the teen said.
Jackson did add that those who are massively exceeding the speed limit should be punished, revealing he only warns those put in sticky situations by the hidden speed cameras.
"If it was in a school zone or on a stretch of road where people are speeding I wouldn't warn anyone," he said.
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"But they are often set up to ping people going a few kilometres over the speed limit at the bottom of a hill and that's unfair."
The noble teen's dad, Dan Jackson, said he was initially reluctant to support his son in his community endeavour, but is now proud of his son
"A lot of kids his age are out doing things mainly for themselves and here is Beau doing something for the community ... and that's nice," Mr Jackson told the programme.
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The 17-year-old's vigilante efforts received a mixed response from viewers.
"Good on him to help others out in trying times, traffic fines are a profit milking cow and nothing to do with safety whatsoever," one viewer commented.
"I think his efforts are misguided," a second said.
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A third wrote: "What’s wrong with motorists following the rules and obeying the speed limits? Take responsibility for your own actions and don’t rely on someone else….especially a 17-year-old to do what you should be doing yourself."
Regardless of viewer comments, locals have praised the young man for his actions.
Motorists often pull over to offer the teen drinks and chocolate, and a local tyre shop showed their appreciation by giving him new tyres for his motorbike.
Rachel Lang