FOI request detail

Pavement Gritting on the TfL Red Route Network

Request ID: FOI-0883-1718
Date published: 10 August 2017

You asked

F/on from FOI-0659-1718 Thank you for your reply on 10th July 2017 further to my Freedom of Information Act Request submitted on 13th June 2017. I can confirm that your reply does partially supply the information I requested. I would however, ask you to address the following points in order to fully satisfy my request. First, the attached PDF map (TLRN Footway Hierarchy) that you have sent , when downloaded and opened, is of such poor resolution and quality, that even when I zoom into the map, I am unable to view any meaningful detail on the map at all. Can you arrange to send me a high-quality PDF that actually enables one to identify the road and place names etc. as what I have been sent is of no use whatsoever. On the basis that I can view the map properly as intended, then the map would constitute part of the information I requested, but in its present form does not. Second, I note that you have provided an explanation about footway gritting prioritisation and state Westminster Bridge is classified as "Prestige" footway. I also note that you say the decision to grit is dependent on the forecasted weather conditions. I would ask you to confirm what specific forecast temperature (or parameters of temperature) triggers pre-cautionary gritting footway gritting etc. in respect of "Prestige" footways and also what criteria determines whether precautionary treatments should be applied to such designated footways. I did ask in the FIO request for details as to the particular weather conditions such as ambient temperature that inform the decision as to when footway gritting should commence - you have stated that it depends on the weather forecast conditions - but I am seeking to establish how and upon what basis such decisions about when to grit/treat footways are taken by TfL. To be absolutely clear, how low does the temperature have to drop before footway gritting etc. takes place in respect of "Prestige" footways? Moreover, in respect of the explanation and information that you have provided about footway prioritisation, can you please confirm (with references to relevant documents and policies) the source of the information. You do refer to the document 'Well Maintained Highways' but this does not provide specific details such as when, and under what weather conditions/temperatures footway gritting takes place - this is to be decided by the Highway Authority, at a local level, based on the guidance and taking into account local priorities and considerations . I believe, based on what I have read in Well Maintained Highways that TfL as a Highway Authority will have a document entitled "Winter Service". I think it may assist in fulfilling my FOI request if you could send me a copy of this document. Third, I did ask you to confirm whether or not TfL is the Highway Authority responsible for Westminster Bridge (in particular in respect of the footway/pavements). You have not answered this question, although it would appear from the content of your email that TfL ARE the Highway Authority, but I do need explicit written confirmation of this from TfL. Can you clarify this particular point please?

We answered

Our ref: FOI-0883-1718/GH

 

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 11 July 2017 asking for further information about Pavement Gritting on the TfL Red Route Network.

 

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 some of the information you require.

 

Please find attached a higher resolution copy of the map showing the footway hierarchy for the transport for London Road Network. I also attached a more detailed map of Westminster Bridge which I hope you will also find useful.

 

Like most Highway Authorities in the UK, TfL do not have a set intervention level (temperature) at which we would treat footways. Our decision is based on guidance provided in Well Maintained Highways taking into account local weather conditions and the budget available.

 

I can confirm that TfL is the Highway Authority responsible for Westminster Bridge.

 

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

Attachments

Back to top

Want to make a request?

We'll email you the response within 20 working days.


We'll publish the response online without disclosing any personal information.