Request ID: FOI-0456-2324 Date published: 25 May 2023
You asked
Please can you advise as to the number of staff that view and validate photographic evidence provided by CC, LEZ, ULEZ and other ANPR cameras in London, the number of incorrect charges, fines, and Bailiff actions instigated, and whether any one, or number of individuals are responsible for incorrect actions, and if possible their Role Definitions and names.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0456-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 16 April 2023 asking for information about Road User Charging.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold some of the information you require.
Our Road User Charging Schemes operate through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. As a vehicle enters, leave or drives within the zone the registration, along with an image of the vehicle, is recorded by an ANPR camera. At the end of the charge payment period the list of registrations observed in the zone is compared with the list of vehicles which have had the charge paid, or are exempt or 100% discounted from the charge or have an active Auto Pay account. Where a match is found the image of the vehicle is deleted. Where no match is found the image is retained for enforcement purposes. We then contact the DVLA to obtain details of the registered keeper and the vehicle make and model details. Prior to issuing a penalty we verify that the vehicle details provided by the DVLA match the image of the vehicle which we have. This is done through a manual checking process.
Currently there are a total 55 Customer Service Agents who carry out this role. The agents are multi skilled and also carry out other administrative roles. The number of agents carrying out the image verification task can vary depending on the work volumes on any given day.
When a motorist receives a PCN they have a right to challenge it by submitting a representation to us. If this is accepted the PCN is cancelled and if rejected the PCN remains open and a further right of appeal to London Tribunals is granted. If the appeal is allowed the penalty is cancelled, if refused it remains outstanding.
When considering representations we do exercise discretion and consider mitigating circumstances. This can often result in a penalty being cancelled despite it being correctly issued. We therefore do not record specifically how many penalties or warrants have been incorrectly issued. However if you can be more specific on what information you require around PCNs we will reconsider your request.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt
FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
