Frustrated motorists are now STEALING Ulez cameras in protest over Sadiq Khan's expansion plans: At least some have been vandalized as protesters climb traffic signals to remove the enforcement cameras

The proposed expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London has faced backlash from frustrated motorists who have resorted to stealing ULEZ cameras in protest. Reports indicate that cameras have been ripped from their bases, wires have been cut, or bags have been placed over them in several boroughs across the capital, including Kingston, Sutton, Heathrow, Bromley, and Greenwich. London Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to expand the ULEZ zone to all 32 London boroughs by August 29, requiring drivers of vehicles that do not pass certain emissions standards to pay £12.50 per day to drive in these zones.

Locations where ULEZ cameras have been reported as damaged or stolen

Over the weekend there were reports in Stoke Newington, Kilburn and Fulham of dozens of ULEZ cameras being 'retired' by angry motorists

Transport for London (TfL), which manages the ULEZ scheme, is planning to install 2,750 cameras across outer London to enforce the expanded ULEZ zone. However, there have been instances of theft or vandalism of these cameras, with 31 reported cases within the proposed expansion zone and 12 cases within the existing zone since March 21. The cost of repairs and replacement of these cameras is estimated to be between £60 million and £75 million, as part of the total estimated cost of up to £140 million for the ULEZ expansion.

A picture posted on Twitter of the remains of a stolen ULEZ camera at an undisclosed location in London. It was captioned: 'Wire looks cut! Other side of road too. Will Khan still not get the message?'

Several London councils, including Harrow, Hillingdon, Croydon, Sutton, Bromley, Bexley, Havering, and Kingston, have expressed concerns and have stated their opposition to the ULEZ expansion. A Judicial Review into the proposed expansion is scheduled for July, following concerns raised by these councils about the legality of the scheme.

Some motorists have taken to social media to share images of damaged, vandalized, and inoperable cameras, and there are reports of locals covering vehicle number plates and refusing to pay fines. TfL has stated that vandalism on their network is unacceptable and all incidents are reported to the police for investigation. However, TfL has declined to provide details of vandalism or stolen ULEZ cameras, citing concerns that it may encourage further damage. The issue of ULEZ expansion in London remains contentious, with ongoing debates between supporters and opponents of the scheme.

The wire of this camera has been cut, and there have been reports that others have had bags placed over them in protest against the forthcoming expansion

TfL is planning to install 2,750 cameras across outer London to enforce the new ULEZ expansion zone.  So far, more than 300 have been installed across several London boroughs