The Mayor of London is being called out for starting to install signs and ANPR cameras by stealth in the outer London boroughs which are challenging expansion of the ULEZ.
A coalition of London boroughs, comprising Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon have launched a Judicial Review, alongside Surrey County Council, to challenge the expansion plans.
But while that challenge is yet to be heard in the courts, residents in the London boroughs have been dismayed to spot ULEZ signs and ANPR cameras popping up overnight without warning.
The four boroughs remain resolutely opposed to the proposed expansion and have said that they will not be doing anything to aid installation of ULEZ cameras or signage while their challenge remains unheard in the courts.
The coalition believes the very installation of these cameras and signs, with neither borough consent or notification is further indication of the Mayor’s intent to ride roughshod over the outer boroughs.
A further complication is that HS2 has begun installation of ANPR cameras at fifteen locations to monitor its own lorry movements through the north of the borough. Despite these cameras being marked with ‘HS2’ signage, some residents have mistaken these for rollout of the ULEZ cameras. HS2 has given assurances these cameras will only track and hold data for its own vehicles.
Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “The installation of these cameras across Hillingdon shows a staggering level of contempt from the Mayor, not just for the feelings of residents who are overwhelmingly against his expansion proposals, but also for the pending legal challenge from the five boroughs.
“One of our grounds for challenge was that the outcome of last year’s ULEZ consultation was predetermined. The appearance of these cameras is further evidence that for the Mayor this expansion proposal is a fait accompli.
“But this coalition will not flex to his will and questions the lawfulness of this installation by stealth of his cameras, which has understandably caused huge upset to residents who are relying on us to protect them from the financial devastation the ULEZ expansion would cause for so many families and businesses.”
