Request ID: FOI-0953-2122 Date published: 27 August 2021
You asked
Dear Transport for London,
I write in request for information about Transport for London's use of ULEZ and LEZ cameras.Please can you release to me the following information:
1) How many ULEZ and LEZ cameras does TfL operate?
2) Where are these cameras located?
If you have any queries about any of these questions which may assist you in generating your response, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to your reply.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0953-2122/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 3 August 2021 asking for information about ULEZ and LEZ cameras.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
1) How many ULEZ and LEZ cameras does TfL operate? We currently operate a network of 1,580 ANPR cameras to monitor and enforce the following road user charging (RUC) schemes:
The Central London Congestion Charging (CC) Scheme which was implemented in February 2003.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which was implemented in April 2019. The ULEZ currently occupies the same area in central London as the CC zone, but will expand out to the North Circular Road and South Circular Road from 25 October 2021.
The Greater London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which was implemented in February 2008 and which covers the whole of Greater London.
Direct Vision Standards (DVS) and the HGV safety permit schemes which came into force on 1 March 2021 and which covers the whole of Greater London.
We do not operate a separate, dedicated network of cameras for any particular scheme(s) because, depending on their location, all of our cameras can be used to operate all RUC schemes. 674 enforcement cameras are located at the boundary of and within the central London zone. While these were originally installed to enforce the CC, they now cover all RUC schemes. Cameras located outside the central London zone currently cover LEZ and DVS and will also be used to monitor and enforce the expanded ULEZ zone. We are also installing a number of additional cameras within the expanded ULEZ zone, which will also be used to monitor and enforce LEZ and DVS.
2) Where are these cameras located? Please see the attached spreadsheet for details of the locations of camera sites in the central London zone. This information applies to all RUC schemes. The aim of the LEZ and ULEZ schemes is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from driving in the area. Unlike the central London zone, it is not possible to have cameras on every single entry and exit point of the LEZ due to the sheer scale of the zone. Releasing the location of these cameras could enable those who wish to avoid detection to enter the zone. The locations of the cameras outside the central London zone are therefore exempt from disclosure under the Environmental Information Regulations exception 12(5)(g). Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. Further information on the rationale for this is as set out in similar previous cases, such as the one that can be found via the following link in relation to the original scheme: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/tfl_anpr_cameras_and_data?unfold=1
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
