Request ID: FOI-1550-2324 Date published: 22 August 2023
You asked
Dear TfL Staff,
My name is ______ I'm a -________working on a research project for ______. I'm not sure if you're FOI requirements apply in this case, but would appreciate if you're able to answer the following questions for me.
When TfL first implemented congestion charging in London, did any associated environmental approval documentation have to be developed / published (either an EIA, or another document)? If so, is it possible to recieve such a document?
Thanks,
We answered
TfL Ref: 1550-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 10 August 2023 asking for information about the Congestion Charge scheme.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require. You asked:
When TfL first implemented congestion charging in London, did any associated environmental approval documentation have to be developed / published (either an EIA, or another document)? If so, is it possible to receive such a document?
We can advise that the Mayor (at the time) rejected the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment for this on the grounds that ‘there are not likely to be any significant environmental effects from traffic, and that in terms of noise and atmospheric pollution any negative impacts will be small’ as referenced on page six of the following report: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/gla_migrate_files_destination/archives/assembly-reports-transport-congestion_charging.pdf The report also goes on to say: Several organisations and individuals have sought to challenge the Congestion Charging Scheme most notably, Westminster City Council and the Kennington Residents Association. On 31 July 2002, the High Court dismissed claims for a Judicial Review of the Mayor’s decision to implement the current Scheme. In deciding to dismiss these claims, the High Court noted that neither an Environmental Impact Assessment nor a Public Inquiry was required by law.
Note, the Congestion Charging Scheme is governed by ‘The Central London Congestion Charging Scheme - The Consolidated Scheme Order’, which is published on our website here:
In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some 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
