Request ID: FOI-0592-2122 Date published: 14 July 2021
You asked
TFL have informed me that they enforce a weight limit in the Rotherhithe Tunnel due to risks detailed in the Highways England document BD78/99 (Design of Road Tunnels). Upon looking for this document I have found that it is unavailable as it has been withdrawn from circulation and is no longer in use. Highways England have signposted me to CD352 (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges) which is now the current policy, but is a different document not BD78/99 with a different name. Please can you provide me with the reasons why TFL base safety decisions on an obsolete document, who within TFL has authorised using BD78/99 and not CD352 and the legal basis for enforcement of restrictions based on a document that is no longer in use.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0592-2122/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 24 June 2021 asking for information about the basis of restrictions in Rotherhithe Tunnel.
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.
At the time of the restrictions being introduced , BD 78/99 was the extant policy and the restrictions are based on the maximum heat release from a small car, 5 MW. This is still the same within CD 352 and is referenced in section 8.
If this is not the information you are looking for, 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
