A man has been charged following a Met operation to detect criminal damage or vandalism to ULEZ cameras across London.
Joseph Nicolls, 42, of Foots Cray High Street, Sidcup, was charged with criminal damage, malicious communications and handling stolen goods, as well as aiding or abetting the destruction of, or damage to, property valued over £5,000 following the Met’s proactive operation.
Nicolls appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court on May 11 and was bailed to appear at a later date which is yet to be set.
The Met launched the operation following a complaint from Transport for London which reported 96 allegations of criminal damage to ULEZ cameras across the capital.
Detective superintendent Daniel Smith, whose officers are leading the investigation, said: “We have been proactively targeting those we suspect of causing or seeking to cause damage.
“We are carrying out a thorough investigation and this includes gathering CCTV, speaking to potential witnesses and following up active leads.
“We are also working with TfL to prevent further offences in the future.”
Despite public backlash from some boroughs over the ULEZ expansion, drivers will be asked to pay £12.50-a-day to travel in Greater London from August 29, if their vehicle doesn’t meet certain environmental standards.
In revolt, several councils surrounding the capital have refused to sign an agreement allowing TfL - of which Mr Khan is chairman - to install street signs and cameras warning drivers they are approaching the clean air zone.
Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 4279/10MAY.
