A camera policing a single low traffic neighbourhood in east London has had to be replaced seven times in less than two years due to vandalism, it was revealed on Tuesday.
The camera in Stoke Newington, installed in September 2021, is one of dozens that have been sabotaged in a revolt against traffic measures that has cost boroughs almost £500,000 in the 12 months to April.
Town halls also reported bollards stopping cars driving down certain streets being stolen and having to realign, fix or replace numerous cameras covering LTNs.
Hackney saw the most vandalism, according to the figures obtained by LBC.
Councillor Mete Coban, Hackney’s cabinet member for environment and transport, told LBC: “It’s very frustrating because we have to spend a lot of taxpayer’s money on this as a result of a few people that are continuously reoffending.
“I’m angry for the people of Hackney because we’re having to cough up this money that we could be spending elsewhere.
“We’re working with the police to track down the people who do it – we know who they are, it’s a small group of people that keep doing it.”
The figures were revealed as the Prime Minister announced a review of traffic measures, including LTNs, Ultra Low Emission Zones (Ulez) and 20mph speed limits across the country.
Rishi Sunak declared he was “on the drivers’ side”. It followed the Conservative Party’s shock win at the Uxbridge ad South Ruislip by-election.
Labour were favourites to take Boris Johnson’s former seat at the vote on July 20, but anger at the Mayor’s Ulez expansion to outer London boroughs saw the Tories hold the constituency by fewer than 500 votes.
Sadiq Khan on Friday confirmed he was pressing ahead with the Ulez expansion after winning a landmark ruling at the High Court.
Drivers with the most polluting cars face a £12.50 a day charge from the end of August.
