THE Mayor of London is being challenged for starting to instal signs and number-plate cameras by stealth in the outer London boroughs fighting expansion of ULEZ.

A coalition of London boroughs, including Hillingdon, have launched a Judicial Review, alongside Surrey County Council, to challenge the expansion plans.

While that challenge is still to be heard in the courts, people in the London boroughs have been dismayed to spot ULEZ signs and ANPR cameras popping up overnight without warning.

Some residents appear to have mistakenly assumed the appearance of the cameras - on traffic light columns - was a sign that the boroughs have backed off their challenge.

A coalition spokesperson assured them it is not the case.

The four boroughs remain opposed to expansion and will not be doing anything to aid installation of ULEZ cameras or signage while their challenge remains unheard in the courts.

Cllr Ian Edwards, leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “The installation of these cameras across Hillingdon shows a staggering level of contempt from the Mayor.

“Not just for the feelings of residents who are overwhelmingly against his expansion proposals, but also for the pending legal challenge.

“One of our grounds for was that the outcome of last year’s ULEZ consultation was pre-determined. The appearance of these cameras is further evidence that, for the Mayor, this expansion proposal is a fait accompli.”

A further complication for Hillingdon is that HS2 has begun installation of ANPR cameras at 15 locations to monitor its own lorry movements through the north of the borough.

HS2 has given assurances these cameras will only track and hold data for its own vehicles.