Request ID: FOI-2005-2122 Date published: 03 December 2021
You asked
I would like to request under the freedom of information act a map of cameras for the ULEZ extension zone
We answered
TfL Ref: EIR-2005-2122
Thank you for your request of 2nd December 2021 asking for information about the location of ULEZ 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 the ULEZ extension zone.”
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, the exception that can apply where release of information would have an adverse impact on the environment. The rationale for this is explained below.
The aim of the ULEZ scheme is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from driving in the zone, and thereby reduce levels of pollutants that have been proven to damage human health through conditions such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses. TfL does 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 Congestion Charge, Low Emission Zone and ULEZ. However, unlike the central London zone it is not possible to have cameras throughout the expanded ULEZ or on every single entry and exit point at its boundary, due to its much larger size.
When information is released under the EIR it is considered to be release to the world at large rather than the individual applicant. By releasing the location of the cameras outside of the central zone it would enable those who wish to avoid detection to enter or drive within the zone, defeating the purpose of the scheme. If vehicle owners know they can avoid the charge by avoiding the cameras, it removes the incentive to adapt their vehicle, or reduce its use, in line with the scheme’s objectives. This in turn will affect the level of improvement in air quality. The locations of the cameras outside the central London zone are therefore excepted from disclosure.
The use of this exception is subject to an assessment of the ‘Public Interest Test’, to determine whether the greater public interest rests in applying the exception or in releasing the information in any event. We appreciate the need for openness and transparency in the operation of our business, and the fact that you have requested the information is in itself an argument for release. However, in this instance we believe that the balance of overall public interest rests in ensuring compliance with the ULEZ scheme in order to ensure its objectives can be met. The scheme is designed to improve the environment for everyone in London, and the information that the public need to comply with the scheme - including a map of the area covered and a postcode checker - is proactively published on our website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone For these reasons we believe the greater public interest rests in the exception applying.
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
