Request ID: FOI-0680-2223 Date published: 30 June 2022
You asked
1) When was a camera installed at Falkirk Street/Cremer Street?
2) How do residents along these routes know they are within ULEZ without signage?
3) How many PCNs have been issued at this location? How many have been paid?
4) How many are unpaid?
5) What is the total revenue made from PCN issuance at this location?
6) How many cases have been challenged?
7) How many have been appealed to ETA?
8) How many cases have been won at appeal by TFL and how many lost at appeal by TFL?
9) How many have had recommendations from the adjudicators?
10) What are the nature of such recommendations?
We answered
TfL Ref: EIR-0680-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14th June 2022 asking for information about the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
When was a camera installed at Falkirk Street/Cremer Street?
How do residents along these routes know they are within ULEZ without signage?
How many PCNs have been issued at this location? How many have been paid?
How many are unpaid?
What is the total revenue made from PCN issuance at this location?
How many cases have been challenged?
How many have been appealed to ETA?
How many cases have been won at appeal by TFL and how many lost at appeal by TFL?
How many have had recommendations from the adjudicators?
What are the nature of such recommendations?
I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require.
In answer to question 1, the ULEZ enforcement camera at this location was installed on the 15th October 2021.
In answer to question 2, the ULEZ expansion was widely consulted upon and has been widely advertised. We have signs on various roads within the borough of Hackney, and a map of the area covered by the zone - as well as a postcode checker - can be found on the TfL website via the following link:
In regard to questions 3-8, I am afraid that this information is excepted from disclosure under Regulation 12(5)(g) of the EIR, the exception that can apply where release of information would have an adverse impact on the environment. The rationale for this is explained below.
The aim of the ULEZ scheme is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from driving in the zone, and thereby reduce levels of pollutants that have been proven to damage human health through conditions such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses. When information is released under the EIR it is considered to be released to the world at large rather than the individual applicant. Releasing information on the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued by a specific camera over a specified time period (and other associated data linked to enforcement at that specific location) would enable those who wish to avoid detection to deduce which enforcement cameras are and are not operational and to enter or drive within the zone, defeating the purpose of the scheme. If vehicle owners suspect they can avoid the charge by targeting specific locations they believe to be enforced less than others, whether or not that perception is misguided, the likely result is that there would be an increase in non-compliant vehicles entering the zone which removes the incentive to adapt their vehicle, or reduce its use, in line with the scheme’s objectives. This in turn will affect the level of improvement in air quality. The specific numbers of PCNs issued and enforced by individual cameras is therefore excepted from disclosure.
The use of this exception is subject to an assessment of the ‘Public Interest Test’, to determine whether the greater public interest rests in applying the exception or in releasing the information in any event. We appreciate the need for openness and transparency in the operation of our business, and the fact that you have requested the information is in itself an argument for release. However, in this instance we believe that the balance of overall public interest rests in ensuring compliance with the ULEZ scheme in order to ensure its objectives can be met. The scheme is designed to improve the environment for everyone in London, and the information that the public need to comply with the scheme - as referenced above in answer to question 2 - is proactively published on our website. For these reasons we believe the greater public interest rests in the exception applying. In regard to questions 9 and 10, TfL does not hold this information. Rather, this would be a matter for the London Tribunals. You may therefore wish to re-direct your questions to that body. FOI requests to the London Tribunals can be made at: [email protected].
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
