The London mayor’s team has criticized a highly reckless assault in which a camera enforcing the city’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) was harmed by what seemed to be an improvised explosive device. They stated that this action endangered lives.
There was no immediate response from Downing Street or the Home Office regarding the incident. No 10 stated that they could not comment due to an ongoing police investigation, but also expressed condemnation for criminal actions in general.
The Metropolitan police have stated that the explosion in Sidcup, located in south-east London, on Wednesday evening is not being classified as an act of terrorism. However, the investigation is being led by counter-terror officers.
Images shared on social media by local residents depicted a significant indentation on a van, presumably caused by debris from the explosion. Additionally, there was visible harm to the window frame of a neighboring residence. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
A representative for the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, stated: “This extremely irresponsible behavior endangers both lives and property. The police are rightfully investigating this hazardous and careless action.”
A representative for Rishi Sunak stated that she had been made aware of the incident, but did not want to interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Multiple cases of vandalism have occurred involving Ulez cameras since the zone was extended to every London borough in August. This expansion was met with resistance from Sunak’s government, as well as Conservatives in City Hall and numerous Tory MPs.
The Metropolitan Police reported in November that there were approximately 1,000 documented crimes related to the theft or destruction of cameras in the last seven months.
Susan Hall, who is running as the Conservative candidate in the upcoming mayoral election, strongly opposes the expansion and stated: “These accusations are extremely grave and I strongly denounce any form of vandalism. The most effective way to express dissent against Sadiq Khan’s unjust Ulez expansion is to vote in the ballot next May.”
According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police, a basic homemade bomb caused damage to a camera on Willersley Avenue in Sidcup at approximately 6:45pm on Wednesday.
The camera was set up earlier in the day and was first taken down before appearing to have been exploded.
Trevor Lawry, DCS, expressed alarm over the deliberate placement of an explosive device in a public area. He emphasized the potential for serious harm to members of the public.
The primary goal of the Ulez program is to enhance the air quality by implementing a daily charge of £12.50 for vehicles that do not comply with emissions standards when entering the designated zone. This is monitored through a system of cameras that recognize vehicle number plates.
Source: theguardian.com
