Man Pleads Guilty to ULEZ Camera Vandalism

Joseph Nicolls, 43, from Sidcup, has pleaded guilty to encouraging vandalism of Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) cameras through Facebook posts and sending a threatening email to Yunex Traffic, the company supplying these cameras. His posts were deemed capable of inciting criminal damage to the cameras, which are essential for the enforcement of London's clean air scheme. The court heard that vigilante groups have targeted ULEZ cameras since the scheme expanded across London, leading to significant vandalism incidents. During a police search, various components of the cameras were found at Nicolls' home. He is scheduled for sentencing on September 20, with the possibility of a non-custodial sentence being considered. The ULEZ scheme requires non-compliant vehicles to pay a £12.50 daily charge or face penalties, contributing to the increased tensions around the cameras.