Can you please advise if the following speed cameras on the A406 are currently operational and being actively monitored by the owning police force? The cameras are located on the main A406 carriageway at the A12 junction (A406 is flyover over the A12 roundabout), between the exit/entrance slip roads, on north-side of A12, both cameras (one in each direction) hidden by signage. Northbound, just before slip road where road becomes 4 lanes (left 2 for M11, right 2 for A406). Southbound, just after junction slip road.

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TfL Ref: FOI-0361-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 10th June 2020 asking for information about speed cameras on the A406.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. 

Specifically you asked:

“Can you please advise if the following speed cameras on the A406 are currently operational and being actively monitored by the owning police force?

The cameras are located on the main A406 carriageway at the A12 junction (A406 is flyover over the A12 roundabout), between the exit/entrance slip roads, on north-side of A12, both cameras (one in each direction) hidden by signage. Northbound, just before slip road where road becomes 4 lanes (left 2 for M11, right 2 for A406). Southbound, just after junction slip road.”

Note that while Transport for London is responsible for the maintenance of speed cameras, the enforcement (i.e. the issuing of tickets) is for the Metropolitan Police. It is not entirely clear what you mean when you ask whether the cameras are “being actively monitored”. These are not CCTV cameras and so are not watched. As to whether they are operational, I can confirm that we hold this information. However, that information is exempt from disclosure under sections 31 and 38 of the Freedom of Information Act. Under section 31(1)(a), information is exempt where disclosure would be likely to prejudice “the prevention or detection of crime’. Section 38 applies where release would be likely to endanger health and safety. In this instance the exemptions have been applied as provision of the requested information would confirm whether or not the cameras are operational. The purpose of the cameras is to deter drivers from contravening speed restrictions. Disclosing information which reveals the activation status of such cameras could lead to a decrease in compliance with traffic restrictions, which would adversely affect the flow of traffic on the network as well as endangering the safety of road users.

The use of these exemption is “qualified”, meaning that they are subject to an assessment of whether the greater public interest lies in applying the exemptions and withholding the information or in releasing it in any case. In considering the public interest we recognise the expectation of openness and transparency placed on public authorities by the FOI Act, and the fact that the information has been requested is an argument in favour of release. However, in this instance there is also a clear public interest in ensuring that drivers in London use the roads in compliance with the relevant restrictions, to ensure the safe and effective operation of the road network. In this instance we believe the public interest arguments in favour of withholding the information outweigh those in favour of release, and hence the exemptions are applied.

On a more general matter, please note that the Government has announced a series of measures to tackle the coronavirus. It is essential for London that we continue to provide a safe transport network for essential journeys.

In current circumstances, we are not able to answer FOI requests readily and we ask that you please do not make a request to us at present.

Answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. In any event, please note that our response time will be affected by the current situation.

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,

David Wells

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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