Ulez cameras covered by boxes and bags in protest at expansion

Opponents of the Ulez expansion have begun covering TfL’s spy cameras with bags and boxes in protest.

Up to 2,570 Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras are to be installed across London to police the expanded Ulez scheme, which is set to launch on August 29.

More than 300 have already been installed in outer London boroughs.

Pictures posted on social media show that some of the cameras have been covered up.

One was covered with a box with the words “stop electing idiots” written across it.

Another picture appeared to show one of the cameras covered by a Sainsbury’s bag for life.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has faced fierce opposition over the expanded scheme, which charges drivers of certain types of older, more polluting vehicles £12.50 to drive in London.

One person who shared pictures online said: “Absolutely love that locals in London have covered the money grabbing ULEZ cameras with cardboard boxes and bags for life.”

However, some were not in favour, with Twitter user Scott asking: “Who wants to live in a city full of dirty air?”

A TfL spokesperson has previously said that it removes any obstructions from its cameras as part of its regular maintenance.

It comes after pictures showed a Ulez camera near Heathrow with its wires cut in Uxbridge, while four cameras in Abbey Wood were also pictured vandalised earlier this month.

According to new analysis conducted by the RAC, up to 700,000 motorists could be liable for the £12.50 charge when the scheme expands.

However, that figure is contested by TfL and the Mayor’s office, which estimates only one in 10 cars being driven in the outer London “doughnut” area soon to be included in Ulez will have to pay the levy.

Mr Khan said earlier this week that there had been a marked increase in the number of cars that comply with the Ulez’s exhaust emission rules, meaning they are exempt from the £12.50 daily charge.