Sadiq Khan threatens to install ULEZ cameras against councils’ will
Councils fighting to stop the expansion of London’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez) face having enforcement cameras mounted onto traffic lights against their will.
Transport for London (TfL) revealed it does not need permission to install the majority of CCTV cameras in the capital’s outer boroughs.
It means that despite the threat from several councils to block the cameras from being used within their boroughs, Sadiq Khan can push ahead with the controversial plans to expand the zone.
TfL has confirmed to The Telegraph that it will install two-thirds of the 2,750 cameras needed to identify Ulez offenders onto existing TfL signage and infrastructure, meaning that it does not require local authority permission.
The revelation came as several outer London boroughs have voiced public opposition to the Mayor of London’s plan to expand Ulez to all 32 councils by Aug 29.
From that date, all drivers will be forced to pay a daily £12.50 charge if their vehicles do not pass minimum emission standards.
Sutton Council, which is led by the Liberal Democrats, and Conservative-run Harrow, Croydon and Bexley have also vowed to stop the installation of cameras by refusing to sign a Section 8 agreement. This would allow TfL to install new cameras in these councils.
However, it has now emerged that two-thirds of the cameras – 1,830 – do not need a signed Section 8 agreement for their implementation, as they will be installed on top of existing TfL traffic lights.
Documents published last November by the Greater London Authority stated that only in a small number of cases would new structures have to be installed which require the agreement.
Growing Ulez rebellion
There is mounting pressure on Mr Khan to stop the expansion. Bexley and Harrow councils have joined Hillingdon and Bromley as a consortium looking into routes to legally challenge the Mayor’s plan.
Over the weekend, The Telegraph revealed that a legal challenge in the High Court could cost them millions of pounds, with the councils having to pick up the Mayor’s costs if unsuccessful.
Last Friday, The Telegraph reported that Croydon Council, the most populous in London, would resist the installation of Ulez cameras and would look to join the consortium.
During a heated session in City Hall last week, Mr Khan caused consternation from London Conservatives when he accused the party’s London Assembly members of not caring about the health of London’s children.
He also claimed they were in the “pockets of vested interest groups”.
