Laurence Fox has denied allegations that he encouraged members of the public to damage Ulez cameras in London, as he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday to plead not guilty to a criminal charge.
The 46-year-old actor-turned-political activist is accused of publishing a series of posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) between 12 September and 4 October 2023, which prosecutors allege were “capable of encouraging the commission of an either-way offence” relating to criminal damage.
The posts in question reportedly included praise for individuals calling themselves the “Blade Runners” – a group of anti-Ulez campaigners believed to be responsible for sabotaging and removing ultra low emission zone cameras across the capital. Prosecutors told the court that some of Mr Fox’s posts referenced cameras being torn down and appeared to support such actions.
Fox, who has been a vocal critic of the Ulez scheme and a frequent opponent of what he describes as “state overreach”, firmly denied the charge, entering a plea of not guilty. The case has now been sent to Croydon Crown Court, where he is expected to appear next on 13 June. He was granted unconditional bail.
The allegations come against a backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding London’s controversial Ulez expansion, which came into effect in August 2023. The scheme now covers all London boroughs, requiring drivers of non-compliant vehicles to pay a daily charge of £12.50 or risk facing a fine. The measure was introduced to reduce air pollution and encourage the use of cleaner vehicles, but it has sparked significant backlash in some quarters.
Transport for London (TfL) said that during the period in question, there were around 700 reported incidents of damage to Ulez cameras, with an estimated cost exceeding £920,000. Prosecutors linked this spate of vandalism to online encouragement, although no direct link to Mr Fox has yet been established in court.
The Sentencing Council has confirmed that intentionally encouraging or assisting someone to commit an offence – including damage to property – can carry the same maximum penalty as the act itself, which in this case is up to 10 years in prison.
Videos have circulated widely online showing individuals cutting the wires of Ulez cameras or removing the devices entirely. Many of the perpetrators remain unidentified, although the “Blade Runners” name has become associated with a loosely organised resistance movement opposed to what they see as an unfair tax on working-class motorists.
Fox, who founded the Reclaim Party and previously stood for Mayor of London in 2021, has positioned himself as a defender of civil liberties and free speech. Following his court appearance, he made no comment to the assembled press but has previously described the Ulez expansion as a “draconian measure” that “punishes the poorest”.
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Critics of the Ulez scheme argue it places undue financial pressure on those unable to afford newer vehicles, while supporters maintain it is a vital step in improving London’s air quality and public health.
TfL insists the cameras are essential for enforcing the scheme, ensuring compliance and discouraging non-compliant vehicles from entering the city. “We condemn the vandalism of safety and enforcement equipment,” a spokesperson said. “This behaviour endangers Londoners and costs taxpayers dearly.”
The court proceedings are likely to attract further attention to both the Ulez debate and the broader question of how public figures use social media in politically charged contexts.
As the legal process unfolds, questions remain about the line between freedom of expression and the responsibility that comes with influence – particularly when messages may be interpreted as inciting unlawful acts. Fox’s trial promises to be a high-profile affair, with implications for political activism in the digital age.
