TalkTV has obtained footage of masked anti-ULEZ activists pulling down the scheme’s cameras in Bromley, London.
Calling themselves the Blade Runners, after the 1982 film starring Harrison Ford, the group has vowed to continue their direct action campaign until every camera has been removed.
TalkTV does not condone or promote the illegal activities of this group.
It comes after a man from south-east London is set to stand trial over alleged involvement in the destruction of a camera next June (2024).
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “It is deeply disappointing to see opposition to a policy being used as an excuse for criminal damage.
“This petty vandalism of London’s essential transport infrastructure is completely unacceptable.”
Detective Superintendent Daniel Smith, whose officers are leading the investigation into ULEZ vandalism, 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.”
11 Ultra Low Emission Zone cameras were reported stolen and a further 17 vandalised just last week alone.
As of last week, 1,775 cameras were in place, 2,750 planned for full expansion
The Metropolitan Police has said it is investigating multiple reports of vigilantes attempting to sabotage Transport for London’s equipment. TalkTV has approached the police for a response.
Each camera is believed to cost around £7,000.
When and why was the ULEZ created?
It was launched in April 2019 to help clean up London’s air.
What area is currently covered?
Everywhere within the North and South Circular roads.
How significant is the expansion?
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is extending the zone to cover all London boroughs from August 29.
How many vehicles will be affected?
Transport for London (TfL) says nine out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day meet the Ulez standards, so will not be liable for the charge.
But Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency figures obtained by the RAC show 691,559 licensed cars in the whole of London are likely to be non-compliant.
This does not take into account other vehicles such as vans and lorries, or vehicles which enter London from neighbouring counties such as Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and Kent.
How bad is air quality in the capital?
An estimated 4,000 Londoners die prematurely each year from conditions related to air pollution, according to Mr Khan.
How does the U work?
It disincentivises drivers from using the most polluting vehicles by charging them a daily fee for entering the zone.
How much is the fee?
The charge for vehicles that do not comply with minimum emissions standards is £12.50 for cars, smaller vans and motorbikes.
Lorries, buses, coaches and heavy vans that are non-compliant are charged £100 under the separate low emission zone scheme, which already covers most of London.
https://talk.tv/news/24983/breaking-masked-ulez-cameras-vandals-direct-action-blade-runners
