Hi I’d like to request the official reasons / reports, that the traffic restrictions based upon. Especially the reasons behind height and width limits, and the Goods vehicles weight limit. Thank you

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Our ref: FOI-1612-2021/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 November 2020 asking for information about Rotherhithe Tunnel restrictions.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

The vehicle restrictions limit the size and weight of vehicles using the Rotherhithe Tunnel so that in the event of a vehicle fire the current ventilation system will be able to perform adequately. A refurbishment project for the Rotherhithe Tunnel is currently being designed which also includes improving the ventilation system and a review of the current traffic restrictions.

TfL is unable to supply reports as they contain sensitive security information not suitable for public viewing. This information is therefore subject to a statutory exception to the right of access to information under Regulation 12(5)(a). In this instance the exception has been applied as disclosure of the information you have requested would adversely affect the safety of the general public and members of staff using the Rotherhithe Tunnel, due to the safety and security content of the information you are requesting and the significant risk that exists if information disclosed is subsequently accessed by those intent on causing harm and disruption to the general public in London and the surrounding areas by targeting the transport network infrastructure.

The Rotherhithe Tunnel is used by thousands of drivers every day and the safety of all users is our highest priority. Disclosures made under the
EIR and FOI are deemed to be a ‘disclosure to the world at large’ and whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for
anything other than your own personal interests, it could be used by individuals who wish to cause harm or disruption to our customers, staff
and network. Whilst we recognise that there are individual and personal interests in understanding the workings of the transport and road network,
there is not a wider public interest in the disclosure of this information that outweighs the inherent danger of information being accessed by those
intent on causing harm to members of the public. We therefore consider that the balance of public interest favours use of this exception.

Comprehensive information outlining the reasons for the restrictions can be found at the links below:

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/rotherhithe-tunnel-restrictions?intcmp=52288

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rotherhithe_tunnel_closure_infor

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.

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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