London's traffic cameras are under attack. Police say hundreds of license plate-reading cameras have been damaged, disconnected or stolen by opponents of an anti-pollution charge on older vehicles that came into force across the metropolis on Tuesday. The vandalism by vigilantes calling themselves the Blade Runners shows that emotions are running high over the city's Ultra Low Emission Zone. London's mayor says the measure will cut air pollution that is linked to about 4,000 deaths a year in the British capital. Critics say it's a cash grab that will penalize suburban residents who depend on their cars for work and essential travel.

'The cameras are going to keep coming down,' predicted Nick Arlett, who has organized protests against the clean-air charge and says he neither condones nor condemns the sabotage 'People are angry.' Moves in the U.K. to cut air pollution and reduce car use have become a political flashpoint. Supporters say cynical politicians and conspiracy theorists are exploiting opposition to the plans. The Conservative government has attacked London's vehicle levy, leading to allegations it is backing down on green pledges.