Ulez costs to taxpayers kept SECRET as TfL refuses to disclose key figures
Ulez costs for replacing cameras are being kept secret by Transport for London
PA
Transport for London (TfL) has refused to disclose the cost to the taxpayer of replacing vandalised Ulez cameras, after repeated attacks on enforcement equipment.
The capital's local government transport body has been forced to fix and replace cameras on an almost daily basis after being targeted by vigilantes.
Those who oppose the expansion of the ultra-low emission zone, which increased its boundaries in August, have been hijacking cameras by spraying them with paint, dismantling the stand they at mounted to, and cutting power wires.
But TfL has refused demands to come clean on how much money it is spending on replacing the damaged equipment.
WATCH: Blade Runner vigilante on his crusade against Ulez
It has argued that withholding the information will help to reduce "potential incidents of vandalism".
Arguing why it would be wrong to release costs, TfL said: "We recognise the need for openness and transparency, and in particular where this relates to the maintenance of public assets and the effective expenditure of public funds.
"In this case, it may also be of interest in enabling the general public to understand the extent of this problem on TfL’s road network.
"However, we do not consider that there are any other public interest factors in favour of the disclosure of this information, which otherwise is only likely to be of interest to those who follow and/or commit vandalism.
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The Ulez scheme was expanded to all London boroughs on August 29, 2023
PA"On the other hand, there is a very strong public interest in preventing further crime, in protecting the health and safety of individuals, and in protecting the commercial interests of TfL as a public authority.
"Therefore, in this instance we feel that the balance lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure that we are able to minimise the number of potential incidents of vandalism incidents which could have considerable implications for law enforcement, public safety, and TfL expenditure."
The anti-Ulez Blade Runner vigilante group claims to have destroyed hundreds of cameras since August.
One member of the group even claims to have destroyed over 150 on his own.
The Met Police has previously issued statements warning anyone who deliberately disables a Ulez camera could face arrest.
It said: "The Met has and continues to treat criminal activity in relation to Ulez seriously and has deployed considerable resources to our operation.
"Where there are possible lines of enquiry, local investigators will follow up using a range of investigative approaches including CCTV trawls, witness searches and an assessment of forensic opportunities.
"We are aware of posts on social media referencing Ulez cameras and techniques to disable them.
"If a report is made to police that someone has vandalised a camera, it will be investigated."
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