ULEZ Cameras Stolen and Vandalised in Wallington and Sutton
Two Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) cameras have vanished from Woodcote Road, Wallington, Sutton. One critic fired off online: “It appears the ULEZ cameras outside Girls’ have been stolen. The ones down by The Duke’s Head have also vanished.” A fellow commenter warned, “We’ll end up paying for that in taxes.”
Mayor’s Office Condemns ‘Petty Vandalism’
A spokesperson for the Mayor slammed the damage as “deeply disappointing”. They added, “It’s extremely disheartening to see opposition to a policy used as an excuse for criminal damage. This petty vandalism of London’s vital transportation infrastructure is intolerable.”
Costly ULEZ Expansion at Risk
City Hall Conservatives revealed that, by January 2023, 312 of the 2,750 required cameras for the ULEZ expansion were installed—though not yet activated. These cameras are a big chunk of the £130-140 million scheme.
The ULEZ charges £12.50 daily to owners of vehicles that fail to meet tough emissions rules, currently applied inside the north and south circular roads.
More Vandalism Hits Sutton and Kingston
In West Sutton, vandals severed a camera wire and slapped a hand-painted “NO ULEZ” sign on a nearby pole. Elsewhere, cardboard boxes and bags have been used to block cameras in Kingston and other parts of South West London.
An anti-ULEZ campaigner joked about the West Sutton damage: “I came across one of the ‘improved’ cameras today. Wireless is now available.” Another praised the sign’s style, saying, “I like that, it shows style.” One local even wanted to “shake the hand” of the vandal, showing the simmering public anger.
