Anti-ULEZ protesters have begun blocking the view of the cameras using outlandish costumes instead of causing damage to them.
The dinoasur-suit wearing protesters in London are blocking the cameras which charge motorists £12.50 a day in Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ).
One of those using the suits said he thinks the light-hearted protest is better than the alternative vandalism of cameras – which is criminal damage.
Paul Sullivan, 36, is one of around 12 Bexley-based protestors using the dinosaur disguise.
The anti-ULEZ activist has been out multiple times in the last week to stand in front of cameras and block their view.
He told MyLondon: “I came across these two guys in dinosaur suits blocking this van’s camera and humping the van in a TikTok. I just thought those are so tall they’re perfect for stopping the cameras. So I ordered one for myself and it’s exhilarating.
“There are a few other guys doing it, I think around a half dozen of us in Bexley, we have a group chat letting each other know where the cameras are. There are a couple who’ve been doing it for a while but for most of us, it’s fairly new.
“It was the height and size that really drew me to the dinosaur, as well as the humour of it. The only downside is it can get uncomfortable, there’s actually a power bank in there for the fan which keeps it inflated so it does get hot in there and you have to poke your face out after a while. After four hours in it, my t-shirt was getting quite stuck to me but I’d happily do it again.”
The ULEZ scheme was extended to include all of Greater London in August. Since then, opponents have sabotaged cameras to prevent charges for non-environmentally friendly cars.
It is believed 450 ULEZ cameras have been damaged or stolen but Paul’s group is keen to take a different approach.
He added: “I think a big point to make is the distinction between what ‘blade runners’ do and what someone who peacefully blocks the vans does.
“There have been some inaccuracies written about in other news outlets, but in terms of the dinosaurs we’re not about any of the vandalism, we refer to ourselves as blockers.
“Personally I’d never go out and do vandalism with where my life is, I’ve got way too much to lose and I’d never dream of breaking the law. I understand those guys have a strong belief in how they feel and hats off to them but I can’t condone it.”
He was motivated to protest after seeing the effect of the charge on those around him, saying: “I couldn’t tell you the number of people I know or have come across – friends, family, passers-by, random conversations in the supermarket – who are struggling with the charges.
“The responses from vehicles that go past are crazy, even bus drivers will be tooting us as well. And it’s gone crazy online, some posts with 40,000 reactions, thousands of comments.”
