Request ID: FOI-0060-2324 Date published: 04 May 2023
You asked
Please provide information, including source material, on the following five queries in relation to the proposed extension of the ULEZ into Harrow:
How many cameras are proposed to be installed in Harrow
How much this could cost
Reports on air pollution as a result of car emissions in Harrow in each of the last 5 years
How many cars are estimated to be at risk of having to pay the daily charge should the ULEZ extend into Harrow
How many people are known to have died as a result of air pollution from cars in Harrow in each of the last 5 years
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0060-2223 Thank you for your request which we received on 5 April 2023. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. How many cameras are proposed to be installed in Harrow We expect that circa 2750 additional ANPR cameras will be needed to operate the expanded London-wide scheme. However, in accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply specific camera numbers by London boroughs as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under Section 31(1)(a) - Law Enforcement which relates to all aspects of the prevention and detection of crime.
In this instance the exemption applies as disclosure of the information you have requested would describe the inner workings of our highways management systems and the purposes they serve for various technology related means. Disclosure of this information could be used by those seeking to disrupt the running of our transport network, which in turn is critical to the overall efficacy of London’s highways and in particular, the Transport for London Road Network - the capital’s red routes. The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance we consider that there is greater public interest in safeguarding our infrastructure highway systems and their various functions.
Replies under the FOI Act have to be considered as disclosures to the public at large. Whilst we make no suggestion that your request is not made in good faith, given the concerns we have outlined, we believe that there is greater public interest in withholding specific information regarding our infrastructure, while making the best use of public funds in protecting the security and operations of our network. How much this could cost I can confirm that the full expected cost of delivery of all ANPR cameras, including design, staff time, overheads and risk, is in the range £45-50m. However, in accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the cost of specific camera installations as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2) – prejudice to commercial interests.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information you have requested would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests, as well as those of the suppliers who provide, or may provide in the future, the cameras. Prejudice would be likely to occur should we go out to tender for this or similar services in the future, because it would be likely to result in a clustering of bids based on how much has been previously paid. Disclosing this information could also be prejudicial to the camera manufacturer’s ability to compete for tendering opportunities with other companies in the future, as their competitive edge would inevitably be prejudiced by disclosure of a breakdown of their price.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. TfL recognises the need for openness and transparency by public authorities but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that TfL is able to obtain the best value for public money outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes. Reports on air pollution as a result of car emissions in Harrow in each of the last 5 years We do not hold air quality monitoring data. Real-time air quality data across London is publicly available on the London Air Quality Network (LAQN - https://www.londonair.org.uk/ ), which includes more than 100 monitoring sites. An additional 30 sites located across London but not part of the LAQN are also available on the Air Quality England website (https://www.airqualityengland.co.uk ). You may also find Our ULEZ One Year On report useful as it contains information on air quality https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-02/Inner%20London%20ULEZ%20One%20Year%20Report%20-%20final.pdf . There are also further reports on our webpage here https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/ultra-low-emission-zone. How many cars are estimated to be at risk of having to pay the daily charge should the ULEZ extend into Harrow Nine out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day already meet ULEZ standards – this is based on analysis of ANPR data and dates from the end of 2022. Compliance estimates are based on the limited number of existing Outer London cameras. This data is the average for the month based on analysis of daily detections of vehicles using ANPR and cross referenced with DVLA information. This will improve once more cameras are installed ahead of the expansion of the ULEZ to all London boroughs.
How many people are known to have died as a result of air pollution from cars in Harrow in each of the last 5 years We do not hold this information. If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. Yours sincerely Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
