A second man has been charged after deliberate criminal damage to ULEZ cameras in London.

Police say they have launched a “proactive operation after allegations of criminal damage were passed to the Met”.

A 44-year-old man was charged on Thursday, May 18 with criminal damage and going equipped.

Joseph Nicolls, 42, of Foots Cray High Street, Sidcup, also appeared in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on May 11 charged with criminal damage and destruction of, or damage to, property.

A spokesperson for Met Police said that they are “aware of the active discussions online and the passion felt by some in our communities” but “criminal activity is not acceptable”.

ULEZ cameras record your number plate, which is then checked against a database to see if your vehicle needs to be charged for entering the ULEZ zone.

This comes into force on August 29.

The aim of ULEZ scheme is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from driving in the area.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 4279/10MAY.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detective Supt 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 aware of the active discussions online and the passion felt by some in our communities.

“We will continue to support lawful protest but criminal activity is not acceptable.

“We continue to work with TfL to prevent further offences in the future.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “A second man has been charged as a result of a proactive operation launched following criminal damage to ULEZ cameras.

The operation was lunched after allegations of criminal damage were passed to the Met.

“A 44-year-old male [B] was charged on Thursday, 18 May with criminal damage and going equipped.

“A 42-year-old male [A] was charged on 11th May with criminal damage and destruction of, or damage to, property.

“Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 4279/10MAY.

“Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”