Man admits posting Facebook messages encouraging people to damage Ulez cameras

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A man has admitted posting messages on Facebook encouraging people to damage Ulez cameras.

Joseph Nicolls, 43, also pleaded guilty to sending a threatening email to a company which provides cameras for the scheme.

Nicolls, of Foots Cray High Street, Sidcup, sent Yunex Traffic a message in May last year intended to cause “distress or anxiety”, Woolwich Crown Court heard.

The company’s infrastructure and technology have been “at the core” of Ulez, as well as similar schemes in Birmingham and Portsmouth, according to its website.

Nicolls’ Facebook posts were capable of “encouraging or assisting others” to carry out “criminal damage to or theft of Ulez cameras”, according to court documents.

Vigilantes repeatedly targeted the cameras after the Ulez area was expanded to cover all of London last year.

Vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards are required to pay a £12.50 daily fee when used in the Ulez zone, or face a fine.

Videos have been posted online showing people described as Blade Runners cutting the cameras’ wires or completely removing the devices.

Nicolls will be sentenced at the same court on September 20.