Request ID: FOI-1799-2122 Date published: 07 December 2021
You asked
What action has been taken by TFL to enforce red route parking regulations against market trader vehicles in Whitechapel in the last six months. “
Also :”does TFL have a policy of not enforcing parking and traffic regulations on market trader vehicles parked at Whitechapel High street
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1799-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 2021, asking about illegal parking.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
What action has been taken by TFL to enforce red route parking regulations against market trader vehicles in Whitechapel in the last six months.
The Metropolitan Police and TfL officers regularly patrol Whitechapel Road to provide a deterrence to non-compliance and enforce against vehicles in contravention of the parking restrictions through the issuing of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).
In the last 6 months (1st May 2021 – 31st October 2021) on Whitechapel Road between Vallance Road and Cambridge Heath Road on the market side, 751 PCNs have been issued. Please note that this is for all parking offences and not just those associated with the market.
We are working closely with the council, who have used their environmental powers to remove abandoned vehicles and we, as the Highways Authority, have removed a persistent evader earlier this year.
Please note that as the Highway Authority we can only enforce the parking restrictions – we do not have the powers to take action for overdue tax and MOT. To report untaxed vehicles please visit the DVLA website (https://www.gov.uk/report-untaxed-vehicle)and for vehicles with MOT issues visit https://www.gov.uk/report-no-mot.
In relation to the photo, certain restrictions (such as a Loading Bay, max 20 minutes) allow a vehicle to remain in place whilst an authorised activity is being undertaken (such as loading or unloading). Rather than waiting by the vehicle for 20 minutes, officers can make a record (called an ‘observation’) and leave the location and then return to check if the vehicle has moved. If not, it may be issued with a PCN.
Also: does TFL have a policy of not enforcing parking and traffic regulations on market trader vehicles parked at Whitechapel High street.
We enforce against all vehicles contravening parking and stopping restrictions on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) equally. We do not have a policy where market trader vehicles on Whitechapel Road are treated differently to other vehicles.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any 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
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
