16-05-2025
Lawrence Fox denies encouraging 'Blade Runner' activists to smash up ULEZ cameras in protest at Sadiq Khan's £12.50-a-day charge
Laurence Fox wore a 'Two Tier' cap and sported a new cross tattoo today as he denied encouraging people to damage Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) cameras.
The actor-turned-politician smoked a cigarette as he walked towards Westminster Magistrates' Court in London while holding the hand of his partner Elizabeth Barker.
Fox, 46, is accused of posting messages on X between September 12 and October 4 2023 'which were capable of encouraging the commission of an either-way offence'.
Fox allegedly wrote about cameras being torn down and praised anti-Ulez activists known as 'Blade Runners' in some posts, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.
The Gosford Park actor appeared in court to plead not guilty to a charge of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an either-way offence.
Transport for London (TfL) said that in the relevant period there were some 700 incidents of damage to cameras with a cost of more than £920,000, prosecutors say.
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, the Sentencing Council confirmed.
Fox was granted unconditional bail to attend Croydon Crown Court on June 13.
The words 'Two-Tier' on Fox's hat are a reference to perceived differences in judicial outcomes depending on the race of the defendant.
Cameras have been repeatedly damaged after the Ulez area was expanded to cover all of London in 2023.
They allow TfL to monitor the cars that enter and exit the zone.
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.
