Signage visibility and Do you enter CC Zone when you pass the sign or when the camera captures your vehicle?
Request ID: FOI-0507-2122 Date published: 01 July 2021
You asked
I had received a CC zone PCN when I unknowingly entered the zone and the PCN has been issued due to non payment. The issue here is that I cannot pay for something I have no idea of using/entering.
My issue is that there were a couple of things I believe that led me to enter the zone unknowingly and its not limited to the fact there were building works going on and high placards that block vision of the signage on approach.
I am sure the are clear guidelines that TFL must follow to ensure that motorists are clearly able to view signage in all circumstances, policies to ensure TFL are regularly checking signage to ensure there effectivness
The alleged contravention occured at Victoria Street and what I would like information on is:
1: What are the rules and regulations that TFL must follow and the responsibility to motorists TFL has to ensuring that CC zone signs are maintained for their effectiveness ability to be seen?
2: How and when was the last time signs were checked at the Victoria Street location?
3: At what point is the CC Zone entered? When you pass the signage or when the camera captures the vehicle?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0507-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 10th June 2021 asking for information about the Congestion Charge zone.
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 the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below:
Question 1: What are the rules and regulations that TFL must follow and the responsibility to motorists TFL has to ensuring that CC zone signs are maintained for their effectiveness ability to be seen?
Answer: Congestion Charging signage is implemented in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
Question 2: How and when was the last time signs were checked at the Victoria Street location?
Answer: Our signs are inspected in person regularly for faults or damage. The signs in this location were last inspected on 26 April and found to be fine.
Question 3: At what point is the CC Zone entered? When you pass the signage or when the camera captures the vehicle?
Answer: A motorist enters the zone when the vehicle crosses the boundary. The boundary of the Congestion Charging zone is detailed on our website here:
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,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
