Sadiq Khan has warned anti-Ulez protesters to remain within the law after a number of new enforcement cameras were vandalised.
The mayor said the spate of attacks on the cameras being erected in the zone’s forthcoming expansion were “not acceptable” and were being viewed seriously by the police and Transport for London.
Vandalism has been reported in Abbey Wood, Cheam, Kingston, Wallington, Bromley and near Heathrow.
In addition, pictures have been posted on social media showing several cameras, which read vehicle numberplates, being covered up.
One was covered with a box with the words “stop electing idiots” written across it. Another appeared to have been covered with a Sainsbury’s “bag for life”.
The ultra-low emission zone is due to expand to the Greater London boundary on August 29. Drivers of vehicles whose exhaust emissions breach the Ulez rules will have to pay £12.50 a day. None of the new cameras has been switched on.
Mr Khan told the Standard: “One of the joys of living in a democracy is that you can oppose things and do it in a way that is loud, vocal – you can have petitions and protests.
“But you have got to stay within the law. You have got to make sure your protest is peaceful and lawful and safe.
“Vandalising Ulez cameras, vandalising TfL property, is not acceptable. It’s a criminal offence, and not unreasonably the police and TfL take it very seriously.”
TfL executives have adopted a phlegmatic approach to the vandalism, saying only a small number of the 2,750 cameras being erected have been damaged.
Vandalising Ulez cameras, vandalising TfL property, is not acceptable. It’s a criminal offence, and not unreasonably the police and TfL take it very seriously
But TfL is considering how best to protect the cameras from future attacks. Well-placed sources say the vandalism sparked “paranoia” at City Hall.
TfL is spending between £60 million to £75 million on the cameras and road signs, within a total of £130 million and £140 million on the Ulez expansion.
More than 300 of the cameras had been installed by the end of January. More than 1,800 of the 2,750 cameras are being placed on top of existing traffic lights.
TfL and the five councils seeking a judicial review of the mayor’s decision to expand the Ulez have asked the High Court to expedite the claim.
Both sides want the matter resolved before the August 29 “go live” date. A ruling that Mr Khan breached the law on the Ulez consultation is thought to be the only way the expansion will be delayed.
“We have asked for the court case to be decided sooner rather than later,” Mr Khan said.
TfL’s head of law Howard Carter told the TfL board on Wednesday that an initial decision from the High Court was expected “any day now” on which - if any - parts of the judicial review application will proceed to trial.
Mr Khan warned motorists not to fall for “misinformation” and to check on the TfL website whether their vehicle already complied with the Ulez emission rules.
“At the moment it is all systems go,” he said. “The cameras are going up. More and more people are using the scrappage scheme.
“We are speaking to Londoners to encourage them to check whether their vehicle is compliant or not. The latest numbers show that more than nine out of 10 vehicles in outer London are compliant.”
