Request ID: FOI-0616-2324 Date published: 23 June 2023
You asked
Dear TFL.
Seeing as I've received a letter apparently sent on your behalf from DVLA regarding my non compliant car and the ULEZ expansion.
I'm requesting the information on exactly how much you paid to DVLA to send these letters out.
I'm requesting the exact figures that you paid DVLA to do this on your behalf.
Look forward to hearing from you with those figures.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0616-2324
Thank you for your request received on 27 May 2023 asking for information about the recently issued Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) letter.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
TfL is writing via the DVLA to the registered keepers of non-compliant vehicles seen being driven in the outer London area which will form part of the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone from 29 August 2023. Having identified the vehicles likely to be affected by this change, TfL has asked the DVLA to send these letters on our behalf. The letter provides information on the vehicle’s compliance status, the options available to vehicle owners including the scrappage scheme, grace periods and how the scheme operates including how to pay. The DVLA do not share registered keeper data with TfL or any third party for this purpose, and TfL does not know to whom or where these letters have been sent.
The letters form part of a large-scale multi-channel information campaign to raise awareness and to encourage vehicle checking with messaging running on TV, video on demand, radio, local and pan-London press, national specialist press e.g. What Van and What Car, and national press, a radio and newspaper content partnership, digital display, messaging on Waze, a wayfinding app, social, roadside posters and petrol pump nozzle advertising. Emails are also being sent to customers registered to TfL’s database and leaflets are being distributed via a door drop and face to face leafleting in high footfall locations such as high streets, in the outer boroughs.
You asked:
I'm requesting the information on exactly how much you paid to DVLA to send these letters out. I'm requesting the exact figures that you paid DVLA to do this on your behalf.
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the information regarding the amount paid to the DVLA as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2).
In this instance the section 43(2) exemption has been applied as disclosure would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of the DVLA. Prejudice would be likely to occur when the DVLA carry out similar mail campaigns in the future, as their competitive edge would be prejudiced by disclosure of the price we have paid.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that the DVLA’s ability to procure the best deal in future campaigns and are not prejudiced in any way outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes. If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
