Request ID: FOI-0993-2324 Date published: 11 August 2023
You asked
Dear TFL,
I am requesting, via a Freedom of information request:
- data on all pcn by type, location and date of the infraction. Something like this would be perfect: https://opendata.camden.gov.uk/Transport/Parking-Services-Penalty-Charge-Notices-2017-18/pnue-j57j
If data on the individual incident/fine are not available, I am ok also with data at month-ward level, so:
- the total number of pcns for illegal parking in each ward in each month by type
I am interested in data from 2002 to 2020 (or any timeline available in this interval). I am happy to receive the data in any format, most preferred excel files.
Thank you in advance for your help,
We answered
TfL Ref: 0993-2324 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 30 June 2023 and followed by clarification on 17 July 2023, asking for information about Penalty Charge Notices(PCNs).
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:
- data on all pcn by type, location and date of the infraction. Something like this would be perfect: https://opendata.camden.gov.uk/Transport/Parking-Services-Penalty-Charge-Notices-2017-18/pnue-j57j If data on the individual incident/fine are not available, I am ok also with data at month-ward level, so: - the total number of pcns for illegal parking in each ward in each month by type I am interested in data from 2002 to 2020 (or any timeline available in this interval). I am happy to receive the data in any format, most preferred excel files. The ideal dataset would contain PCN with respect to all contraventions. The ideal dataset would report, at least,
the date
the type of contravention
the location as precisely as possible
If such a document is not available or easy to construct we can always find a way (e.g. by reporting the total by ward-month-type) to make it feasible.
We can advise that the London Councils organisation, which represents all of the capital’s boroughs as well as the City of London, publishes information about PCNs issued by each local highways authority. Although specific locations and wards are not referenced, PCN statistics are listed under each borough and classified under ‘bus lane’ and ‘moving traffic contraventions’ for example. These datasets are from 2006-07 to 2020-21: https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/parking-services/parking-and-traffic/parking-information-professionals/information
We also publish PCN contravention data via the Red Route reports below and the Congestion Charging & Low Emission Zone Key Fact Sheets from April 2013 to March 2023:
In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of some of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.
However, in accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the information requested about the locations of PCNs issued by TfL as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 31 of the FOI Act, which relates to law enforcement. Specifically, we are refusing your request under section 31(1)(b), which relates to information whose disclosure would be likely to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders, and section 31(1)(g) concerning information whose disclosure would be likely to prejudice the exercise by any public authority of its functions or any of the purposes listed in subsection 31(2) of the FOI Act. In this case, this is section 31(2)(a) – the purpose of ascertaining whether any person has failed to comply with the law.
Disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act is considered to be a disclosure ‘to the world at large’ rather than the individual applicant. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use the information for anything other than your own personal interest, in this instance the exemption has been applied as information regarding enforcement on the Transport for London Road Network – the capital’s Red Routes, could be used by people wishing to build knowledge of TfL’s enforcement activities to avoid PCN’s.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance feel that balance lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure that drivers in London use the roads in compliance with the relevant restrictions and that we are able to manage traffic on the road network. It would be strongly against the public interest to release any information that would undermine this. In the meantime, if you think a PCN has been issued incorrectly, you can challenge it by making a representation. Please see the link below for further details: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes/penalty-charge-notices/make-a-representation 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 FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
