Three Ulez cameras at same junction targeted overnight

Three Ulez cameras have been cut down at the same junction as part of a suspected targeted attack.

The cameras in the London Borough of Hillingdon were chopped down with what could have been a saw on Sunday night.

Photos show traffic lights strewn over pedestrian crossings of Uxbridge Road, with exposed live wires poking out.

A Saint George’s Cross has been painted on the side of one of the cameras.

Groups of vigilantes referring to themselves as Blade Runners have been vandalising cameras used to enforce the Mayor of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez).

Under Ulez, some drivers are taxed £12.50 per day for driving into London, with the enforcement zone reaching almost as far as the M25.

Transport for London’s 3,200 Ulez cameras are linked to an electronic system that automatically fines drivers who haven’t paid the £12.50 within three days of being detected.

Only the most modern cars, including electric vehicles, are exempt from the tax.

The latest spate of incidents follows recent attacks on Ulez cameras across London.

The Metropolitan Police said it had recorded 795 crimes relating to Ulez cameras between April and September last year.

There were 200 reports of cameras being stolen and 595 involved cameras being damaged.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Vandalism is unacceptable and all incidents on our network are reported to the police for investigation. Criminal damage to ULEZ cameras and traffic signals puts the perpetrators at risk of prosecution and injury, while simultaneously risking the safety of the public.

“Camera vandalism will not stop the ULEZ operating London-wide. All vandalised cameras are repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

“We have an extensive camera network which is sufficient to support the effective operation of the scheme. Anyone driving a non-compliant vehicle within the expanded zone will be detected and we advise everyone to check whether their vehicle is compliant and to consider the various support that is available to help transition to greener modes of transport.”