TfL Ref: FOI-0874-1718
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 11 July 2017 asking specifically for information about our current engagements with an existing supplier in relation to the implementation of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme and the predicted costs for the ULEZ.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
As stated in our original response and subsequent internal review, we continue to agree work with our supply chain, who will provide the service required to operate ULEZ. No invitations to tender have been issued, however as we are currently in discussions about the possible cost of operating the ULEZ, disclosing costs or likely budgets would be commercially sensitive and would inhibit our ability to obtain best value for money from suppliers. Therefore this information is being withheld under regulation 12(5)(e) of the EIR. This includes disclosure of the exact provision that informed the development of the TfL Business Plan for the proposed early introduction of ULEZ, on which the Mayor has yet to make a decision following the recent consultation, and proposals for expansion of the zone.
The use of this exception is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise that there is a public interest in openness and transparency. However we feel that there is a greater public interest in ensuring that we retain the ability to obtain best value for money for fare and tax payers in any future contracts.
The proposals for the expansion of the ULEZ are still under development and subject to consultation. The operational costs will depend on the detail of the final scheme, which will be decided following a further statutory consultation later this year.
We note that you have been in contact with the ICO. They have contacted us requesting further information and we will respond to their queries in due course.
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 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
Sara Thomas
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London