Request ID: FOI-1255-2223 Date published: 13 September 2022
You asked
I have been charged a PCN for entering and apparently stationary in the yellow box present in this area. The yellow box it very large and does not take into account the traffic lights and oncoming traffic from the left hand side. The left hand side traffic has no place to enter apart from the box and is blocked by oncoming traffic therefore there is not way of seeing whether or not the car will get through in time. I would like a breakdown of the last 5 years on how much has been made through PCN’s in this area and how many PCN’s have been issued. I would also like clarification on the reasoning for this box to be present in this area.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1255-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 20th August 2022 asking for information about the yellow box junction at East India Dock road and Leonard’s road.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“I have been charged a PCN for entering and apparently stationary in the yellow box present in this area. The yellow box it very large and does not take into account the traffic lights and oncoming traffic from the left hand side. The left hand side traffic has no place to enter apart from the box and is blocked by oncoming traffic therefore there is not way of seeing whether or not the car will get through in time. I would like a breakdown of the last 5 years on how much has been made through PCN’s in this area and how many PCN’s have been issued. I would also like clarification on the reasoning for this box to be present in this area.”
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
In response to your first question (on the number of PCNs issued in this area over the last 5 years, and the amount of charges paid), I am afraid that the information is exempt from disclosure under section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, which can apply where release of information would be likely to prejudice the prevention of crime, or to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders. This is because the release of this information (or similar information in relation to other areas) would reveal locations where enforcement activity is less likely to be implemented and may therefore encourage people to ignore restrictions at those locations. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than your own interest, the disclosure of information under FOI is regarded as a disclosure to the public at large.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the ‘public interest test’ to determine whether the greater public interest rests in the exemption applying and the information being withheld, or in releasing it in any event. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities and the fact that you have requested the information is in itself an argument for release. However, in this instance we feel that balance of public interest lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure that we are able to manage traffic on the TfL Road Network. It would be strongly against the public interest to release any information that would undermine this. We consider that the release of this information would lead to increased traffic problems as some motorists may seek to take advantage of the information, which would have a detrimental effect on street management. This principle has been previously agreed by the Information Commissioner in relation to a similar, previous request, as can be seen in the following Decision Notice - the same arguments apply in your case:
In regard to your second question (the reason for the box to be present in this area), yellow boxes are typically used to ensure key movements across a junction are not prohibited by stationary traffic. In this area the smaller yellow box ensures vehicles travelling northbound on St Leonards Road are not blocked by eastbound traffic on East India Dock Road, and the larger yellow box ensures southbound vehicles from the A102 off slip can join the eastbound traffic at East India Dock Road when their lights turn green.
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,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
