FOI request detail

A20 Speeding Offences

Request ID: FOI-1296-2425
Date published: 31 July 2024

You asked
Dear Sirs The speed limit on the A20 coming out of London into Kent has been subject of a temporary reduction in the speed limit from 50mph to 40mph leading up to Crittalls Corner and from 70mph to 40mph in the stretch between Crittalls Corner and the Service Station/McDonalds. The reduction in the speed limit(s) was put in place towards the end of 2023 and has been enforced via ‘average speed’ cameras. I would ask you to confirm: 1. The number of speeding offences that were captured and processed through notices of intended prosecutions (NIP) sent out to the registered keepers of those vehicles involved between 1st January 2024 and 30th June 2024 2. The number of speeding offences that were captured and processed through notices of intended prosecutions (NIP) sent out to the registered keepers of those vehicles involved between 1st January 2024 and 29th February 2024 Many thanks for your help in this matter.

We answered

TfL Ref: FOI-1296-2425

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 21st July 2024 asking for information about speeding offences on the A20.
 
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 would ask you to confirm:

1.  The number of speeding offences that were captured and processed through notices of intended prosecutions (NIP) sent out to the registered keepers of those vehicles involved between 1st January 2024 and 30th June 2024 2. The number of speeding offences that were captured and processed through notices of intended prosecutions (NIP) sent out to the registered keepers of those vehicles involved between 1st January 2024 and 29th February 2024”.

I can confirm that we hold the information you require (although note that it is the police that issue Notices of Intended Prosecution rather than TfL). However, I am afraid that this information is exempt from release 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 rather than to the individual applicant.

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 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 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:

https://ico.org.uk/media/action-weve-taken/decision-notices/2021/2620057/ic-69434-n9n7.pdf

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

David Wells
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

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