London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been met with resistance from vigilantes known as “Blade Runners” who have been taking down the city’s security cameras.
Police have confirmed that 387 ULEZ cameras have been either damaged, stolen, or obscured by the Blade Runners. These cameras were installed by Transport for London (TfL) between April and mid-August.
The Blade Runners was said to have employ various methods to disable the cameras, including cutting their wires, painting over lenses, or completely removing the devices.
Footage emerged showing a masked Blade Runner using a tree lopper to cut camera cables, leaving the camera dangling in the air. Another vigilante was filmed unscrewing a camera from a traffic light pole in Bromley, south London.
Despite concerns about economic impact, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the ULEZ expansion, which aims to boost air quality in the capital. The new borders will reach Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Surrey, starting on August 29. Khan’s decision has faced criticism, but he remains committed to reducing emissions and improving air quality for millions of Londoners.