Request ID: FOI-1449-2122 Date published: 14 October 2021
You asked
I would like to request under the freedom of information act a map of cameras for ULEZ, congestion charge and any other road cameras in my neighborhood - specifically the area N6, as this is the area where I live.
I am aware about Environmental Information Regulations exception 12(5)(g) - but still, please consider my request as what I need is just knowledge about cameras around my residence - I think I have a full right to get to know where are the cameras in the closest neighborhood. I am not asking about cameras located on the borders of the zone, so the argument that publishing them can let people enter the zone without paying and has a negative affect on the environment is in my opinion not applicable.
Please, consider my request without assuming that I would use this information for anything other than my own personal interest.
Thank you in advace.
We answered
TfL Ref: EIR-1449-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 5th October 2021 asking for information about the location of Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and other Road User Charging (RUC) cameras.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“I would like to request under the freedom of information act a map of cameras for ULEZ, congestion charge and any other road cameras in my neighborhood - specifically the area N6, as this is the area where I live.”
I can confirm that we hold the information you require. However, the location of cameras outside of the central zone is excepted from disclosure under Regulation12(5)(g) of the EIR for the reasons outlined below.
Note that we do not use separate camera networks to monitor and enforce different Road User Charging (RUC) schemes. The attached spreadsheet details the locations of camera sites in the central London zone. This information applies to all RUC schemes, including the ULEZ. 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 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. Further information on the rationale for this - including consideration of the public interest test - 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:
I note your comments about the request only covering cameras in your immediate neighbourhood. However, release of information under FOI / EIR is considered to be release to the world at large rather than the individual applicant. If we were to release the location of the cameras in relation to local neighbourhoods outside of the central London zone then it would enable people to piece together that information to form a more comprehensive picture of the extent of the camera network which, as explained above, would defeat their purpose. For this reason the exception still applies. Note that more general information about the ULEZ - including maps of the current zone and the area to be covered from 25th October 2021 - can be found on our website here:
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
