Drivers have been fined by broken Ulez cameras mentioning of the zone
Hundreds of drivers were wrongly issued with ultra low emission zone (Ulez) charges because of vandalised enforcement cameras.
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that many fines were issued incorrectly after two cameras in Chingford, north-east London, ‘became misaligned’ for a short period.
It is understood the cameras were twisted the wrong way so that they were facing roads outside the Ulez boundary, within which drivers must pay £2.50 a day to drive.
The cameras have since been realigned and any penalty charges issued incorrectly will be cancelled.
TfL has cancelled hundreds of Ulez fines incorrectly issued to drivers due to vandalised enforcement cameras (file photo)
A vandalised Ulez camera in Harefield, with a handmade sign next to it reading ‘no to Ulez’
A spokesperson for TfL said: ‘We are aware that some cameras at the Ulez boundary in Chingford became misaligned through acts of vandalism to point outside the boundary.
‘The cameras have since been fixed and realigned, and any penalty charges issued incorrectly during this short period will be cancelled.
‘Vandalism is unacceptable and all incidents on our network are reported to the police for investigation.
‘Criminal damage to Ulez cameras puts the perpetrators at risk of prosecution and injury, while simultaneously risking the safety of the public.
A Ulez camera lying on the road after being damaged in Harefield, Uxbridge
Last August, ULEZ was expanded across the whole of Greater London
‘Camera vandalism will not stop the Ulez operating London-wide. All vandalised cameras are repaired or replaced as soon as possible.’
It comes as the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, refused to rule out sending in bailiffs to chase after nearly £400million in unpaid fines to TfL.
TfL’s bad debts are thought to have soared since the introduction of the expanded Ulez zone, with the transport body purported to have £450million of unrecoverable debt.
Asked if bailiffs could be knocking on the doors of those who don’t pay their fines, Mr Khan said ‘all options’ would be considered, as it was ‘important’ that TfL recovers the money.
A damaged Ulez enforcement camera in Hornchurch, Havering
He confirmed that TfL was already pursuing unpaid fines through county courts.
As many as 96 per cent of vehicles in London were now ULEZ compliant, Mr Khan said, with only 0.27 per cent of drivers receiving a fine.
MailOnline reported in July that the Ulez scheme had garnered a £255m black hole, while only generating £225m million in revenue.
Drivers handed a £180 penalty notice for not complying with the Ulez can appeal within 28 days, and those who pay up within a fortnight are given 50 per cent of the fine. Unpaid fines rise to £270.
