Masked gang members have been caught pulling down Sadiq Khan’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) cameras just weeks before the policy is set for a controversial expansion.
TalkTV has released footage of an activist climbing a lamppost to reach detectors.
The person then pulls out a drill and is seen trying to unscrew the camera in a desperate bid to pull it down. The individual is thought to be a member of the Blade Runner group who has vowed to continue until every camera is down.
The incident took place in Bromley where the scheme will be rolled out on August 29.
A Mayor of London spokesperson condemned the clip with Khan’s office branding the attack “unacceptable”.
They told TalkTV: “It is deeply disappointing to see opposition to a policy being used as an excuse for criminal damage. This petty vandalism of London’s essential transport infrastructure is completely unacceptable.”
The Metropolitan Police is understood to be on high alert after a spate of incidents over the past few weeks.
A staggering 11 ULEZ cameras were stolen in just 10 days between July 21 and August 1 as campaigners take out their anger
In the same time span, there has been 17 reported incidents of vandalism.
Since early May, there have been 96 reports of vandalism to ULEZ cameras compared to just 31 at the end of March.
The Met has now launched Operation Eremon as part of a new “proactive operation” to target suspects.
Detective Superintendent Daniel Smith has promised officers will fully investigate the recent problems as part of the campaign,
He told The Telegraph: “We have been proactively targeting those we suspect of causing or seeking to cause damage.
“We are carrying out a thorough investigation and this includes gathering CCTV, speaking to potential witnesses and following up active leads.
“We are also working with TfL to prevent further offences in the future.”
Earlier this week, Khan’s ULEZ scheme was given the green light by a High Court which deemed the policy “lawful”.
It came after five Conservative-led councils led a campaign to get the policy axed.
The new system will see the tax rolled out beyond the North and South Circulars to most of Greater London.
Drivers will be forced to pay £12.50 per day to use their vehicles if their models are non-compliant with regulations.