Request ID: FOI-2010-2425 Date published: 07 October 2024
You asked
I would like to request the following information:
1. The Rotherhithe tunnel access restrictions state that Good Vehicles with a GVW of more than 2 tonnes or over may not enter. Please confirm TFL's definition of "Goods Vehicle".
2. Please confirm how many vehicles which do not meet the above definition of a Goods Vehicle but which have a GVW of more 2 tonnes use the tunnel each day, week or year. If exact figures are not available, an estimate will suffice.
3. Has TFL been made aware by the motorhome / motorcaravan owners community or by other stakeholders that DVLA does not routinely change the vehicle category (field J on the V5C) when a Goods Vehicle is converted into a campervan or motorhome? If yes, what allowances does TFL make to ensure campervans, motorhomes and other vehicles which are not used as goods vehicles but which would still technically be recorded as such are not inadvertently caught by the restriction and/or that their drivers are aware they would be regarded as a Goods Vehicle? For example, has TFL considered special signage to warn such users, or a leniency programme for first PCNs?
4. Has TFL corresponded with DVLA on this above matter? If so, please disclose this correspondence and the outcome (you may naturally protect any personal details).
5.Exactly what information from the DVLA vehicle database is used to determine which vehicles can and cannot legally use the Rotherhithe tunnel? (for example, Registration Number, Taxation Class, Revenue weight, Vehicle category)?
6. When a TFL owned ANPR camera reads a UK numberplate, how quickly does the computer system return results for the required information provided in your answer above? I.e how many seconds between a numberplate being read and the computer system knowing whether or not the vehicle is lawfully allowed in the Rotherhithe tunnel?
7. Has it:
a) been suggested to TFL; and
b) has TFL considered
installing ANPR cameras at the entrances to the Rotherhithe tunnel which would advise drivers whether or not their vehicle may lawfully enter? Please provide details of when and what was the outcome.
8. Please confirm the revenue TFL has received from Rotherhithe Tunnel PCNs issued to vehicles which are not allowed in the tunnel for the last 12 month period for which data is available.
9. Please confirm how many:
a). appeals have been lodged, providing the grounds of those appeals; and
b) appeals have been successful
for PCNs issued for vehicles which are not allowed in the tunnel for the last 12 month period for which data is available.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2010-2425
Thank you for your request received on 3 September 2024 asking for information about the Rotherhithe Tunnel
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require.
Details of the tunnel restriction is available on our website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/rotherhithe-tunnel-restrictions?intcmp=52288
You asked:
1. Rotherhithe tunnel access restrictions state that Good Vehicles with a GVW of more than 2 tonnes or over may not enter. Please confirm TFL's definition of "Goods Vehicle".
The confirmed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and relevant Regulations define a goods vehicle as “a motor vehicle or trailer constructed or adapted for use for the carriage or haulage of goods or burden of any description.” 2. Please confirm how many vehicles which do not meet the above definition of a Goods Vehicle, but which have a GVW of more than 2 tonnes use the tunnel each day, week or year. If exact figures are not available, an estimate will suffice.
We do not hold this information as we do not record the number of vehicles weighing over two tonnes which travel through the tunnel.
3. Has TFL been made aware by the motorhome / motorcaravan owners' community or by other stakeholders that DVLA does not routinely change the vehicle category (field J on the V5C) when a Goods Vehicle is converted into a campervan or motorhome? If yes, what allowances does TFL make to ensure campervans, motorhomes and other vehicles which are not used as goods vehicles, but which would still technically be recorded as such are not inadvertently caught by the restriction and/or that their drivers are aware they would be regarded as a Goods Vehicle? For example, has TFL considered special signage to warn such users, or a leniency programme for first PCNs?
This issue is under the jurisdiction of the DVLA rather than TfL. However, if it was raised as part of a representation against a penalty, we would consider it as part of the representation process.
We have not considered erecting signage around this specific issue and there is no requirement to do so.
4. Has TFL corresponded with DVLA on this above matter? If so, please disclose this correspondence and the outcome (you may naturally protect any personal details).
We have not corresponded with the DVLA on this issue.
5. Exactly what information from the DVLA vehicle database is used to determine which vehicles can and cannot legally use the Rotherhithe tunnel? (for example, Registration Number, Taxation Class, Revenue weight, Vehicle category)?
When issuing penalty charge notices (PCNs), TfL uses vehicle details held by the DVLA. This includes vehicle make, model, body type, weight, and vehicle taxation category.
6. When a TFL owned ANPR camera reads a UK numberplate, how quickly does the computer system return results for the required information provided in your answer above? I.e how many seconds between a numberplate being read and the computer system knowing whether or not the vehicle is lawfully allowed in the Rotherhithe tunnel?
When the vehicle is observed we contact the DVLA to get the vehicle details. The time taken can vary but it is usually done in 2-3 days.
7. Has it: a) been suggested to TFL; and b) has TFL considered installing ANPR cameras at the entrances to the Rotherhithe tunnel which would advise drivers whether or not their vehicle may lawfully enter? Please provide details of when and what was the outcome.
No this has not been considered. The current ANPR cameras do not have the facility to immediately notify drivers if they are allowed to enter the tunnel. The signage at, and in advance of, the tunnel does this.
8. Please confirm the revenue TFL has received from Rotherhithe Tunnel PCNs issued to vehicles which are not allowed in the tunnel for the last 12 month period for which data is available.
Between 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024, 56,999 PCNs have been issued. £4,542,028.24 has been paid towards them. The value of PCNs paid will increase over time.
9. Please confirm how many: a) appeals have been lodged, providing the grounds of those appeals; and for PCNs issued for vehicles which are not allowed in the tunnel for the last 12 month period for which data is available.
If a motorist receives a PCN they can make a representation to us. If the representation is accepted the PCN is cancelled. If rejected a further right of appeal to an Independent Adjudicator at London Tribunals is granted.
Between 1 September 2023 until 31 August 2024, of the 56,999 PCNs which were issued, we have received 11,982 Representations challenging the issue of the PCN. 6697 were accepted, 3332 were rejected and 1953 remain open.
The tables below show the number of representations which were accepted and rejected and the ground on which the representation was submitted.
When a representation is accepted on the grounds that a vehicle was on hire, or not the keeper at the time, the penalty is reissued to the hirer/liable party rather than cancelled.
Representations Accepted and Reason
Number
Emergency services
95
Believe subject to Exemption
62
Mitigating Circumstances
51
Not the keeper at time of journey
173
Ringer/ Clone – evidence provided
494
Valid Hire Agreement - Liability Transferred
4567
vehicle outside scope of restriction at location
1226
Other
29
Total
6697
Representations Rejected and Reason
Number
Hire - Agreement Incomplete
783
Not aware of Restrictions
150
Not the keeper
43
PCN Disproportionate
103
Ringer/Clone – No evidence
17
Vehicle subject to restriction
2161
Other
67
Total
3322
b) appeals have been successful
Of the 3322 representations which were rejected 262 appeals were made to London Tribunals. 24 were allowed (found in favour of the appellant), 129 were refused (found in favour of TfL), 11 were withdrawn by the appellant, 71 were non contested by TfL and 27 remain open awaiting a decision. These figures are correct as of 31 August 2024.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
