Masked ‘Thugs’ Protecting Ulez Cameras Accused of Attacking Locals

Security guards protecting London’s Low Emission Zone cameras face damning accusations of aggressive misconduct, identity concealment and refusal to show licenses. The Times has more.

Masked security “goons” hired to guard Sadiq Khan’s Low Emission Zone cameras have been accused of assaulting and intimidating locals.

Residents in suburban areas of London claimed the “heavies” had harassed them and refused to display their security licence cards when asked, as industry rules require.

The “thuggish” guards are dressed in dark clothing, and sometimes cover their faces with hoodies, balaclavas and surgical masks, while recording campaigners with body-worn CCTV cameras.

The Mayor of London’s political opponents, who have pledged to scrap the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (Ulez) scheme if they win at elections in May, branded the guards’ behaviour “disgusting”.

Heather Watt, 63, claims a security guard purposefully ran her over twice while she was protesting, leaving her walking with a crutch and unable to work. “They just drove at me,” she said. “They hit me off my feet onto the bonnet of their vehicle. I’ve come off the car, I’m hobbling away, with that the car sped up and hit me again into the side of the road.” …

Dyer, 47, added: “It seems like there is a directive for them to try and cause trouble. There have been assaults made by the security on the public that’s been caught on camera, they had taken people’s signs and thrown them away. They tell me I shouldn’t be here, but I’m 100 metres away from my house – it’s them who shouldn’t be here. It’s antagonistic.”

Transport for London said the security was necessary because anti-Ulez protesters had vandalised and stolen hundreds of cameras. It added that the security were held to high standards of professionalism, and had been told they should hide their face only if they feel intimidated by being closely filmed.

Worth reading in full.