A coalition of London boroughs, including Bromley and Bexley, has called out against the Mayor of London's installation of signs and cameras amid the Ulta Low Emission Zone's (ULEZ) upcoming expansion.

The expansion will cover all of Greater London from August 29 and will see all non-compliant cars pay £12.50 a day for driving within the permitted areas. 

Now the coalition, comprising Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon has launched a Judicial Review, alongside Surrey County Council, to challenge the expansion plans.

It comes as they've called out the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's actions for installing signs and ANPR cameras by "stealth" in outer London. 

Colation calls Sadiq Khans ULEZ cameras and signage "stealth"

In recent days, pictures shared online have seen people place bags and boxes over cameras whilst others have cut wires. 

Currently, the coalition's challenge has not yet been heard in courts, however, boroughs involved have said that residents have "been dismayed to spot ULEZ signs and ANPR cameras popping up overnight without warning."

Now the coalition is concerned that local residents spotting the new cameras will think it's a sign that the boroughs have reneged on their position and cowed to the Mayor’s will.

But the local councils involved share that this is not the case. 

The four boroughs shared that they "remain resolutely opposed" to the ULEZ expansion, adding that they will not aid in the installation of the cameras and signage whilst the challenge remains unheard in courts. 

The coalition also added that the installation of cameras and signs without boroughs' consent or notification indicates the "Mayor’s intent to ride roughshod over the outer boroughs."

Bexley and Bromley's councillors speak out against Mayor's ULEZ cameras and signage 

Speaking of the Mayor's ULEZ cameras, the Leader of Bexley, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, said: “We are furious that Transport for London are pushing ahead with their preparations for the expansion of the ULEZ when the legal challenge brought by this coalition of councils is being considered. 

"The Mayor has ignored the wishes of those who contributed to the consultation, to those who voted in our elections last May, he’s now ignoring these councils and showing contempt for the legal process that has not yet concluded.

“We understand that they are planning to install new and replacement signs in some parts of our borough this week.

“We know that local people and businesses will feel that their genuine concerns are once again being ignored by the Mayor of London. We want our residents to know that we are determined to continue our ULEZ battle.”

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Whilst Cllr Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council, said: “The Mayor’s desperate rush to install his tax raising cameras whilst legal process is underway is obviously disappointing, but not surprising, given the procurement of the cameras took place prior to TfL’s flawed consultation last summer and his subsequent decision to then ignore its results anyway, with the vast majority of those who responded voting against 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, following on from others in Bromley and Beckenham only weeks before.

“The very existence of some local businesses, local jobs and vital local care networks remain under severe threat due to his threat, at a time when some households are already struggling to make ends meet and this is battle that we really must win for all of those affected."