Ulez cameras across London vandalized Photo: Jeremy Selwyn
Expansion of London's Ulez zone is taking police time, says Sadiq Khan
Politicians have suggested that the expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone means that police resources will be used to investigate attacks on Ulez cameras rather than more serious crimes.
MPs have called for this. The Ulez Zone should be demolished and cameras used to catch criminals, not fine drivers.
On Tuesday, Mr Hahn, Mayor of London, expanded the Ulez zone to cover the whole of London. Under the new rules, drivers of vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards must pay £12.50 a day and face fines of up to £180 if they fail to pay.
The introduction caused a fierce scandal. backlash: Dozens of cameras have already been vandalized by anti-Oulez vigilantes who have smashed, sprayed paint and cut the wires of cameras at various locations across London.
The Metropolitan Police have a group of officers who «investigate and «are identifying» those responsible for the cameral attacks, and some MPs suggest that the expansion of the «Ulez» zone is putting additional pressure on already limited resources.
3008 «Ulez» cars
Priti Patel, the former Home Secretary, said: «At a time when we continue to see unacceptable and unsustainable crime rates in London, the Mayor's warped priorities include attacking and monitoring hard-pressed motorists rather than exploiting these vital resources to prosecute criminals.» and ensuring the security of our capital.”
Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Buckingham, added: “As public anger at the Labor mayor has reached boiling point, although I will never condone vandalism, it is no surprise that cameras are being attacked. This will now take precious time from the police for other crimes.»
Sir Ian Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford and Woodford Green and former Conservative leader, suggested that Uhlaise was «distracting the police» and said: “These cameras are much better used for crime detection than license plate detection in the Ulez area. .
“I am not condoning criminal activity, but I understand what they are doing because they are frustrated and Sadiq Khan is not listening. Getting rid of that and using cameras to commit crimes I think most Londoners would love.»
Comments are up after a YouGov poll found that one in three Londoners supported Ulez camera vandals. A poll of 1,000 Londoners earlier this month found that around 32 per cent support attacks on cameras, with 51 per cent opposed.
Ulez's influence with the police was also questioned by council leaders, who suggested that it made it difficult for the police to prevent more serious crimes.
Andrew Jefferies, leader of the Tory-led Council of Thurrock, which borders London, told The Telegraph: «Unfortunately, people are damaging cameras, which means the police will have to spend time investigating to prevent it when they really should be spending money. time to catch criminals and people committing far worse crimes.”
Videos surfaced earlier Wednesday of Ulez's vigilante group known as the Blade Runners attacking cameras at night. The group has claimed responsibility for the theft and wire cutting of dozens of cameras in recent months.
Bromley was one of the hardest hit areas on Tuesday, with 14 cameras on the half-mile stretch of road between Court Road and Cray Avenue smashed, red-painted or wires cut.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Colin Smith , leader of the Bromley Council, said: «While in no way endorsing illegal activity of any other kind, I would personally take the view that the unrelenting epidemic of knife crime in London should concentrate all his [Mr Khan's] time, attention and available resources take precedence over any other issue during this difficult time.”
The Telegraph has contacted the police to find out what steps are being taken to combat the latest wave of Ulez camera vandalism. The Met has previously said it is providing a «proportionate police response» while weighing these incidents against the wide range of operational requirements and crime we must respond to across London.
The London Mayor's spokesman said: “The only people who are to blame for wasting precious police time and resources fighting Ulez camera vandalism are those who take part in this criminal activity and anyone who is irresponsible enough to encourage them.
“These people are at risk of a criminal record and serious injury – and their efforts are pointless, as the successful launch of the Ulez expansion this week has shown.”
Gareth Thomas, Labor MP for Harrow West, said: “We need to protest always be peaceful, legal and safe. Criminal damages are never acceptable. These Ulez camera vandals endanger their own security.»
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