TfL Ref: FOI-0211-2122 Thank you for your email received by Transport for London (TfL) on 30 April 2021 asking for information about LEZ cameras. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR)] and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require. You specifically asked: Under the freedom of information act, where are the LEZ zone monitoring cameras located, I live in Yorkshire but have family in LB of Havering and visit monthly, my vehicle is a motorhome. However, in accordance with the EIR, we are not obliged to supply the location of the LEZ cameras as this is subject to a statutory exception to the right of access to information under regulation 12(5)(g) where disclosure would have adverse impacts on the environment. The aim of the LEZ is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from driving in the area. It is designed to reduce levels of pollutants that have been proven to damage human health, by causing asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The LEZ covers the whole of Greater London, within the M25. Significantly, unlike the Central London Congestion Charging zone, it is not possible to have cameras on every single entry and exit point, due to the sheer scale of the zone. Disclosures under EIR are considered as a disclosure to the ‘public at large’. Providing specific camera locations would encourage non compliance with the Low Emission Zone by encouraging drivers to deliberately seek out those roads which are known not to be covered by an enforcement camera. The LEZ is designed to be a deterrent. This is reflected in the level of the daily charge and the Penalty Charge. If vehicle owners know they can avoid the charge by avoiding the cameras themselves, it removes the incentive to adapt their vehicle to meet the required emissions standards. This in turn will affect the necessary level of improvement in air quality. The Mayor has a statutory duty to take steps towards achieving Government air quality objectives, and reducing pollutants that are harmful to human health - the LEZ forms a key part of this strategy for London. Disclosure of the camera locations would frustrate meeting those objectives. The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. The LEZ is a measure that is designed to improve the environment for everyone. However, in this case, disclosure of the individual camera locations will in itself defeat the purpose of the LEZ, by encouraging non compliance. A significant amount of boundary information is already in the public domain – by way of detailed maps and a postcode location checker – that enables drivers to know the exact areas covered by the LEZ. Therefore, in this instance we feel that balance lies in favor of withholding the information. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely Eva Hextall FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London