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.
Some residents appear to have mistakenly assumed the appearance of the cameras - on local traffic light columns - was a sign that the boroughs have reneged on their position and cowed to the Mayor’s will.
The coalition would like to make it abundantly clear, that this is not the case.
The four boroughs remain resolutely opposed to the proposed expansion and will not be doing anything to aid installation of ULEZ cameras or signage while their challenge remains unheard in the courts.
Furthermore, 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.
Cllr Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council, said: “The Mayor for London’s increasing desperation to install his tax raising cameras whilst legal process is underway is disappointing, but not surprising, given that he procured the cameras prior to TfL’s mock consultation last summer and subsequently decided to ignore its results when Londoners over-whelmingly rejected his proposals.
“Our opposition to expanding ULEZ will not go away and I applaud our residents and others who continue to make their voices known, with the most recent local protest a few days ago in Orpington building further on those in Bromley and Beckenham over recent weeks.
“The very existence of some local businesses and the jobs they provide as well as vital care networks remain under severe threat by this ‘scheme’ at a time when some households are already struggling to make ends meet, and this is not a fight we can afford to lose on their behalf.
“I repeat again that this is not about clean air ; even by the Mayor’s own research, Bromley’s air is the second cleanest in ‘London’, only microscopy behind Havering’s.
“What we are actually seeing being introduced here, before our very eyes, after non-compliant vehicles have been swept from our streets and banished to who knows where at great loss to those who can afford it least, is an embryonic network of cameras being set in place, defacto all the way out to the M25, to then introduce Road Price Charging for all vehicles from as soon as that process is complete.
“That debate has never been had or voted on and needs to be before it is allowed to happen.”
Ends
Notes to editors
The five boroughs launched their legal challenge on 16 February. The Mayor of London and TfL have confirmed their intention to defend the challenge in the courts and all parties are now waiting on the courts to confirm whether they believe the coalition has sufficient grounds for challenge.
The coalition expects to hear back shortly and if agreed, the Judicial Review is expected to take place this summer.
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk