Impact on NOx and NO2 of the ULEZ expanding on 29 August 2023
Request ID: FOI-1179-2324 Date published: 08 August 2023
You asked
I wish to understand the expected impact of the expanded ULEZ (i.e. 29 August 2023 version) on annual mean emissions of oxides of nitrogen ("NOx") (kg/km/year and % change) and annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide ("NO2") (ug/m3/year and % change) along every road link directly managed by TfL in outer London for each category of vehicle affected by the above expansion e.g. diesel and petrol passenger cars, vans etc.
Ideally, I would like the above information for three calendar years i.e. 2022, 2023 and 2024. But I would be willing to receive it over different time periods if held as such by TfL.
As part of this request, I would like to receive copies of any maps, images (including graphs or charts) or tables held by TfL that relate to this request. I understand I do not have to specify particular files or documents and that it is TfL's responsibility to provide the information I require. I wish to receive any large spreadsheets in xls format please and maps or images in jpeg or pdf format.
You will appreciate that my request relates to emissions to air.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1179-2324
Thank you for your request received on 14 July 2023 asking for information about the impact on NOx and NO2 of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require.
We do not hold the specific analysis that you have requested. Given the time it would take to produce some of the analysis you have requested and the unreasonable diversion of resources it would require, we are applying Regulation 12(4)(b) as we believe that the request is ‘manifestly unreasonable’.
The consultation report does include a map showing the impact of London-wide ULEZ impact on NO2 concentrations (figure 24), this could be provided in JPEG if requested so that you are able to zoom in on the TfL Road Network (TLRN) in outer London specifically. There is also zonal and borough level data on NO2 concentrations and NOx emissions in the consultation report. However, this data does not present analysis by vehicle and fuel type and only includes the expected impact up to the end of 2023.
After reviewing the information already available you may wish to consider narrowing and/or focussing the scope of your request. There are limits on the time that TfL are required to spend determining whether TfL holds the information you are requesting and the time spent locating, retrieving and extracting it. Therefore you should identify the information that you want as clearly and concisely as you can, specifying the types of document that you are looking for.
Please also note, that although your request can take the form of a question, rather than a request for specific documents, TfL does not have to answer your question if it would require the creation of new information or the provision of a judgement, explanation, advice or opinion that was not already recorded at the time of your request.
The use of this exception is subject to a public interest test, which requires us to consider whether the public interest in applying the exception outweighs the public interest in disclosure. We recognise that the release of information would promote accountability and transparency in public services and may help address your particular concerns about this issue. However, the time it would take to provide the information you have requested would divert a disproportionate amount of our resources from its core functions and as there is already a large amount of data already published on these matters, on balance we consider that the public interest currently favours the use of the exception.
We will consider your request again, if you are able to narrow its scope so that we can more easily locate, retrieve and extract the information you are seeking.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
