More ULEZ cameras across south east London and Dartford have been spotted damaged – but this time the whole poles have been taken down along with the traffic lights.
A picture taken on Crayford Way in Dartford shows a post cut in the middle, causing it to topple onto the floor.
The post was holding a ULEZ camera but also a set of traffic lights beside a crossing.
Some people in the Facebook comments of a public group criticised the move, and the damage caused to the traffic lights.
One reads: “Cut down ULEZ cameras - heroic. Cut down traffic lights - criminally stupid!”
Another says: “Oh, so stopping pedestrians crossing safely? What an odd way to start getting people to not support your actions, or could it be a false flag so that people stop supporting the blade runners?”
Another camera pole was seen cut in Biggin Hill, Bromley, also with the inside wires cut on September 18.
A similar picture was also captured in Thamesmead on the same morning, with the traffic lights and camera covered in white and red tape whilst leaning against a metal fence.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who made the decision to expand ULEZ to the whole of London from August 29, previously warned people attacking cameras that “protest should be lawful, safe and peaceful”, adding “it is really important to stay on the right side of the law.”
People who drive in the zone in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards are required to pay a £12.50 daily fee or risk a £180 fine, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
The Blade Runners are described a “vigilante group” who oppose the expansion of the ULEZ scheme, which has been controversial throughout its proposal and implementation.
In recent weeks, reports of vandalism to the ULEZ cameras have included cutting of the camera’s wires, painting over the lens, or completely removing the device.
More recently ULEZ vans have been spotted vandalised in south east London as TfL begins deploying mobile cameras.
The Metropolitan Police are dedicating a “significant amount” of resources to tackling ultra-low emission zone camera-related crime, the force’s commissioner has said.
There were 510 crime reports relating to ULEZ cameras logged between April 1 and the end of August.
Two arrests have been made, with one person charged and bailed and the other case discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service, the force said.
There have been approximately 160 reports of cameras being stolen and 350 cameras being damaged, according to Met Police figures.
The actual number of cameras affected may be higher as one report can represent multiple offences.
A Transport for London spokesperson said last week that camera vandalism will not stop the Ulez operating London-wide.
They added: “All vandalised cameras are replaced as soon as possible.
“We have an extensive camera network which is sufficient to support the effective operation of the scheme.”
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