Laurence Fox Pleads Not Guilty to Encouraging Damage to Ulez Cameras
Actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox has pleaded not guilty to charges of encouraging people to damage ultra low emission zone (Ulez) cameras in London. According to The Independent, Mr Fox appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he denied intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an either-way offence.
The charges relate to posts made by Mr Fox on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, between September 12 and October 4, 2023. The Independent reports that in some of his posts, Mr Fox allegedly wrote about the cameras being torn down and praised anti-Ulez activists known as "Blade Runners".
Prosecutors told the court that there were approximately 700 incidents of damage to cameras in the relevant period, with a cost of more than £920,000, according to Transport for London (TfL) figures. The Independent notes that encouraging someone to threaten damage to property can result in the same sentence as making the threat, which is up to 10 years in prison, according to the Sentencing Council.
Mr Fox was granted unconditional bail to attend Croydon Crown Court on June 13. The Independent reports that cameras have been repeatedly damaged after the Ulez area was expanded to cover all of London in 2023. The cameras allow TfL to monitor the cars that enter and exit the zone, and 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 "Blade Runners" cutting the cameras’ wires or completely removing the devices. The Independent notes that the Ulez area covers all of London, and the scheme aims to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the capital.
As reported by The Independent, Mr Fox’s case will continue at Croydon Crown Court on June 13. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an either-way offence.
In a statement, The Independent confirms that Mr Fox has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his case will be heard in due course. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for those who use social media to encourage or promote criminal activity.
According to The Independent, the court heard that Mr Fox’s posts were capable of encouraging the commission of an either-way offence. The Independent understands that the investigation into Mr Fox’s activities is ongoing, and further charges may be brought in due course.
The Ulez scheme has been a contentious issue in London, with some residents and businesses expressing concerns about the impact of the charges on their daily activities. However, The Independent reports that the scheme aims to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the capital, and the Mayor of London has stated that the scheme is necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of Londoners.
As the case against Mr Fox continues, The Independent will provide updates and analysis on the implications of the case for social media users and those who promote or encourage criminal activity.
In related news, The Independent has reported on the increasing number of incidents of damage to Ulez cameras in London, and the cost to taxpayers of repairing or replacing the damaged cameras.
Further to the story The Independent understands that there will be significant implications for Mr Fox if he is convicted of the charges.
