A number of cameras, signs and traffic filters in and around low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) have been deliberately damaged or stolen from over the last year.
Lambeth Council has warned it will identify and prosecute people who commit criminal damage by vandalising enforcement equipment, and is asking residents to be vigilant.
Deputy leader Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “When the Council is dealing with significant financial challenges, this criminal damage is an unacceptable waste of public money.
“We are keen for people to have their say, we are listening, but will not accept criminality.
“This damage only increases the costs of delivering these schemes and means there is less money elsewhere for the services our residents rely on.
“Deliberate targeting of signage, traffic cameras and filters will not be tolerated in Lambeth and we will work with police and other partner agencies to seek prosecutions against anyone identified as causing criminal damage.
“The vandalism of signs, cameras and planters creates confusion for motorists that brings unacceptable danger to other people using the roads including older and younger residents. I often think about the tragic case of a child knocked down on Valley Road a few years ago.
Between March and December last year the cost of repairing, replacing, and enforcing the traffic measures have cost more than £76,000.
That includes over £15,140 to replace the damaged or stolen equipment, while the incidents have required regular checks of the existing LTN infrastructure and have significantly increased costs.
There were more than 40 reports of damage within low traffic neighbourhoods reported to the Met Police during the same period.
Cllr Chowdhury added: “The council is working with communities to trial, enhance and implement measures to make our streets safer, more sustainable and fairer for everyone and welcome feedback through the proper channels on where we can improve.
“But we will not tolerate people committing criminal damage and diverting time and resources away from other vital services.”
