Met Police report hundreds of attacks on ULEZ cameras

Hundreds of crimes relating to stealing and damaging ULEZ cameras have been committed in the last five months, the Metropolitan Police have revealed.

The force said a total of 795 crimes including 200 reports of cameras being stolen and 595 cameras being damaged occurred between April 1 and September 1.

In May, an operation was launched by the Met to ensure a proportionate approach was in place in relation to ULEZ-related crimes.

Scotland Yard said a crime can include more than one offence.

The ULEZ was expanded to cover the whole of Greater London on August 29, meaning cars that do not meet the required emissions standards now need to pay £12.50 per day to drive in the capital city

On Friday September 22, a 52-year old man was arrested in Bexley on suspicion of criminal damage. He has been bailed until 19 December pending further enquiries.

The arrest is part of an ongoing operation launched in May in relation to the criminal damage of ULEZ cameras.

The man was taken to a south London police station for questioning, before being released on bail.

To date, Met investigations have led to the arrest of two other individuals, one charged and bailed for trial to June 2024 and the other discontinued by the CPS.

A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson said, despite the rise in camera vandalism, it has “an extensive camera network which is sufficient to support the effective operation of the scheme”.

“Camera vandalism will not stop the Ulez operating London-wide,” they added.