Sadiq Khan faces ULEZ revolt as lots of of cameras stolen or vandalised

Sadiq Khan is dealing with a ULEZ rise up with lots of of cameras vandalised or stolen in simply 4 months.

Vigilantes against the growth of the scheme, who describe themselves as Blade Runners, have focused enforcement cameras put in by Transport for London (TfL).

The Met Police launched an operation in April after TfL reported legal injury and theft of cameras.

The drive stated it had recorded 288 crimes regarding ULEZ cameras as of August 1.

This included 185 reviews of cables being broken, 164 cameras being stolen and 38 reviews of cameras being obscured.

Multiple offences may be linked to 1 digital camera, comparable to a cable being reduce after which the digital camera being stolen.

Commander Owain Richards stated: “These are clearly unacceptable acts of criminality and we have a team of officers investigating and identifying those responsible.

“We are providing a proportionate policing response, balancing these incidents against the wide range of operational demand and crime we must respond to across London.

“We are working closely with Transport for London (TfL) and alongside our investigation into offences already committed we are supporting them identify new ways to prevent further cameras from being damaged or stolen.

“We are continually reviewing where we need to focus our efforts and we will continue to do that over the coming weeks to ensure we are providing the service Londoners expect from us.”

Some 2,750 cameras are being installed in new areas the ULEZ will cover once it is widened to include the whole of the capital from August 29.

Scotland Yard released an image of a man they want to trace in connection with four camera offences in Hillingdon, Harrow and Uxbridge on June 17.

The London Mayor has sparked a backlash over his decision to expand the zone, which currently only covers central London.

It means more drivers will have to pay the £12.50 daily fee for the most polluting vehicles in a bid to boost air quality.

Mr Khan has previously described his decision to extend the ULEZ as “very tough” but insisted it would “see 5 million extra Londoners with the ability to breathe cleaner air”.

Nick Fairholme, TfL’s director of capital delivery, said: “Vandalism on our network is unacceptable and all incidents are reported to the police for investigation.

“We have elevated the safety of the ULEZ cameras following additional incidences of vandalism and theft.

“We urge the small minority of vandals who’re damaging ULEZ cameras to rethink their actions.

“We have seen evidence of vandalism where cables have deliberately been left exposed so that anyone carrying out repairs would be killed or seriously injured. This is dangerous and reckless behaviour putting lives at risk. “