TfL Ref: 0773-1920

Thank you for your request received by us on 14 June 2019 asking for information about Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) using the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

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. You asked for:

1. The number of Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), using the Rotherhithe Tunnel, whose registered keeper/users have been recorded as breaking the Goods Vehicle weight restriction since the inception of camera based detection systems in February 2019 to present date.

2. The number of those LGVs which have been issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for exceeding the weight restriction.

Any vehicle which is registered with the DVLA as being more than two metres (6'6") high and two metres (6'6") wide or goods vehicles weighing more than two tonnes (gross vehicle weight) is not safe to travel through the Rotherhithe Tunnel; we do not differentiate between vehicles i.e. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and LGVs.

In response to both Questions One and Two, as of 24 May 2019, we have issued 65,712 PCNs to drivers whose vehicles were observed by our cameras on the northbound and southbound Rotherhithe Tunnel approaches, which exceeded the width and weight restriction since it was introduced on 4 February 2019.

The tunnel, which was built in 1908, was not designed to cope with modern levels of traffic. Safety is TfL's top priority and in September 2018 it carried out detailed analysis of the tunnel's ventilation system, which would be used to extract smoke and other dangerous fumes in the event of a fire.

This showed that new restrictions were vital to ensure road users could continue to use the tunnel safely, whilst TfL works on plans for the tunnel's future. By not complying with restrictions at the tunnel, drivers are putting themselves and others at risk.

3. The number of those LGVs whose registered keeper/user have made successful representations which have resulted in the PCN being revoked.

I can advise that 1,091 PCNs have been cancelled as a result of the acceptance of a representation.

4. The number of LGV registered keeper/users who have paid the PCN.

43,094 PCNs have been paid.

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

Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
Information Governance
Transport For London