Old Street Roundabout - Diversion to Congestion Zone on 09/04/2023
Request ID: FOI-0468-2324 Date published: 08 June 2023
You asked
This information request is in relation to a penalty charge notice I received due to driving in the congestion zone without paying the congestion charge. (PCN: XXXX)
Although I'm sure there was a diversion that forced me to drive into the congestion charge zone and a sign that approximately says I won't be charged for that, my challenge has been rejected stating that TfL records do not show any diversion on that date.
Question 1: Is it possible for an organization to implement a diversion without obtaining permission from TfL, even for a short period of time?
Question 2: I was caught by the congestion zone camera on Central St, even though I had initially passed through the camera near the intersection of Old St and Mallow St. Was this camera active on 09/04/2023 from 17:00 to 17:30?
Question 3: How many PCNs were issued by the congestion zone cameras on Old St, Bath St, and Central St on the dates 02/04/2023, 09/04/2023, and 16/04/2023, respectively?
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0468-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 17 May 2023 asking for information about road diversions around Old Street roundabout.
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 the information you require.
There was a planned diversion into the Congestion Charge zone, due to Old Street resurfacing, for a single direction for traffic that would have normally taken the northbound inner ring road along City Road.
The diversion route started on Old Street (eastern arm) to go ahead at the roundabout and west along Old Street (western arm). Following the signed diversion route vehicles were directed right into Goswell Road and north to re-join the inner ring road at Islington.
Southbound traffic was unaffected by the closure and continued to use the inner ring road proceeding south along City Road and using a contra-flow single lane around the former roundabout to turn left into Old Street.
Directional road closures were from 22:00 on 06/04/23 until 05:00 on 11/04/23, and cameras along the diversion route were placed into maintenance mode for the duration of the diversion.
Question 1: Is it possible for an organization to implement a diversion without obtaining permission from TfL, even for a short period of time?
Yes. In cases where an emergency diversion is required it can be implemented without permission from TfL.
Question 2: I was caught by the congestion zone camera on Central St, even though I had initially passed through the camera near the intersection of Old St and Mallow St. Was this camera active on 09/04/2023 from 17:00 to 17:30?
Yes. It was not part of the diversion route so remained active.
Question 3: How many PCNs were issued by the congestion zone cameras on Old St, Bath St, and Central St on the dates 02/04/2023, 09/04/2023, and 16/04/2023, respectively?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide you with this information as it is exempt from disclosure under section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, which can apply where release of information would be likely to prejudice the prevention of crime, or to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders. This is because the release of information relating to the number of PCNs issued at a specific location (or similar information in relation to other areas) would reveal locations where enforcement activity is less likely to be implemented and may therefore encourage people to ignore restrictions at those locations. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than your own interest, the disclosure of information under FOI is regarded as a disclosure to the public at large.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the ‘public interest test’ to determine whether the greater public interest rests in the exemption applying and the information being withheld, or in releasing it in any event. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities and the fact that you have requested the information is in itself an argument for release. However, in this instance we feel that balance of public interest lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure that we are able to manage traffic on the TfL Road Network. It would be strongly against the public interest to release any information that would undermine this. We consider that the release of this information would lead to increased traffic problems as some motorists may seek to take advantage of the information, which would have a detrimental effect on street management. This principle has been previously agreed by the Information Commissioner in relation to a similar, previous request, as can be seen in the following Decision Notice - the same arguments apply in your case:
