Ulez protesters cut traffic lights completely in half in latest attack
It follows a significant surge in acts of vandalism and sabotage against Ulez cameras in recent weeks.
A set of traffic lights in Dartford has been completely cut in half in the latest anti-Ulez attack.
It follows a significant surge in acts of vandalism and sabotage against Ulez cameras in recent weeks.
The Met Police has reported that hundreds of cameras have so far been targeted by vandals.
A set of traffic lights has been completely cut in half in an anti-ultra low emission zone (Ulez) attack.
A driver spotted the damaged lights (with a camera on top) while on the school run in Dartford, Kent, on Wednesday morning.
Pictures show the lights at a crossing on Crayford Way, spliced in half with electrical wires exposed.
A red sticker on the post reads, "Ulez spy camera", with an arrow pointing upwards.
It follows a significant surge in acts of vandalism and sabotage against Ulez cameras in recent weeks, carried out by individuals who refer to themselves as "blade runners".
The malicious activities include covering cameras with paint, among other things.
A man on a ladder was also photographed this week holding an anti-Ulez sign in an effort to block a camera.
The picture appeared on a Facebook group for people in east London called Our Hornchurch, and was captioned: "Let’s hear it for the lad sitting on the ladders blocking the Ulez camera on Rainham Road."
The controversial expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone came into effect last month.
Motorists who drive in Greater London in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emission standards must now pay a £12.50 daily fee or risk a fine.
The move made the capital the world's largest pollution-charging area.
London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has faced strong opposition to the expansion, has insisted the scheme is not "anti-car".
What have the authorities said?
The Met Police has stated that tampering with Ulez cameras is "vandalism of government property and is a criminal offence".
It reported that up to 300 have so far been targeted by vandals.
A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson said: “Vandalism is unacceptable and all incidents on our network are reported to the police for investigation.
"Criminal damage to Ulez cameras or vehicles puts the perpetrators at risk of prosecution and injury, while simultaneously risking the safety of the public.
Read more:
What is the best used car that’s exempt from Ulez charges? (Telegraph)
Ulez protester scales ladder to block camera on van (Yahoo News UK)
"Camera vandalism will not stop the Ulez operating London-wide. All vandalised cameras are repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
“We have an extensive camera network which is sufficient to support the effective operation of the scheme. Anyone driving a non-compliant vehicle within the expanded zone will be detected and we advise everyone to check whether their vehicle is compliant and to consider the various support that is available to help transition to greener modes of transport.”
Which cars are exempt from Ulez?
Cars that do not have to pay Ulez include those that meet Euro emissions standards for their particular vehicle class. According to TfL, these are:
Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles
The Greater London Authority believes more than 90% of vehicles in the capital will not have to pay the charge.
What is the Ulez NOx limit?
To comply with London's Ulez regulations, a vehicle must meet the Euro 6 emission standards for Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).
This requires the vehicle to not emit more than 80mg/km of NOx and 4.5mg/km of PM.
