Chislehurst councillors have condemned the spate of vandalism to traffic lights and ULEZ cameras in recent days – describing it as “mindless, dangerous and completely unacceptable”.

A number of traffic lights have been cut down in Chislehurst over the past few days, along with the ULEZ cameras attached to the poles.

Early this morning (Monday) police attended Royal Parade in Chislehurst, near to the war memorial, after reports that a set of traffic lights and ULEZ cameras had been cut down.

The councillors from the Chislehurst ward (Chislehurst Matters) said, documenting the vandalism on X: “All 4 lights have been taken down at Chislehurst War Memorial, A222.

“We absolutely condemn this criminal damage that endangers the lives of the hundreds of schoolchildren & others plus motorists who cross here each day.”

Councillor Mike Jack said that the war memorial is a difficult place to cross and that many schoolchildren use it on a day-to-day basis.

He told the News Shopper: “Everyone has the right to protest – and this may well be related to ULEZ protests, but the cutting down of these traffic lights or any traffic lights is mindless and dangerous and completely unacceptable.

“The War Memorial is difficult enough to cross as it is, 100s of school children use it daily to get to school.

“This action endangers all the pedestrians including school children and others who have to cross at the junction and makes it extremely difficult for drivers to.

“Chislehurst Matters condemn the vandalism. If you saw anything or have dashcam footage, please contact the police asap. “

Another set of traffic lights was seen cut down on Chislehurst High Street along with the ULEZ cameras on January 10.

TfL informed Chislehurst Matters that the lights would be back up and running by the following day, but this was delayed.

We have approached TfL for an update on the repairs to these traffic lights.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who made the decision to expand ULEZ to the whole of London from August 29, 2023 previously warned people attacking cameras that “protest should be lawful, safe and peaceful”, adding “it is really important to stay on the right side of the law.”

People who drive in the zone in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards are required to pay a £12.50 daily fee or risk a £180 fine, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

There have been regular protests against the plan and anti-Ulez vigilantes have repeatedly targeted enforcement cameras installed in the new areas.

The Blade Runners are described a “vigilante group” who oppose the expansion of the ULEZ scheme, which has been controversial throughout its proposal and implementation.

Transport for London (TfL) condemns vandalism on its network, emphasizing that all incidents are reported to the police for investigation.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Vandalism is unacceptable and all incidents on our network are reported to the police for investigation.

“Criminal damage to ULEZ cameras or vehicles puts the perpetrators at risk of prosecution and injury, while simultaneously risking the safety of the public.

“Camera vandalism will not stop the ULEZ operating London-wide. All vandalised cameras are repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

“We have an extensive camera network which is sufficient to support the effective operation of the scheme.

“Anyone driving a non-compliant vehicle within the expanded zone will be detected and we advise everyone to check whether their vehicle is compliant and to consider the various support that is available to help transition to greener modes of transport.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called to Royal Parade, Chislehurst shortly before 04:00hrs on Monday, 15 January following reports that traffic lights and a ULEZ camera had been damaged.

“An investigation has been launched.

“No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”