Request ID: FOI-2061-2122 Date published: 06 January 2022
You asked
Dear TfL FOI Team
I have submitted this request to the Metropolitan Police service. xxxxx of the MPS FOI team has responded: "Can I please suggest that these questions are directed to Transport for London (TfL) as they own the assets and are responsible for the maintenance of the camera network."
I would be grateful for your help in this matter. My questions are:
Speed cameras
1. Referring to all models of speed cameras, how many Police-operated fixed speed camera units (active or otherwise) are installed on roads within the MPS Constabulary?
2. On Nov 1, 2021, how many of these units were fitted with active cameras?
3. On Nov 1, 2021, how many of these units were inactive?
4. On Nov 1, 2021, how many of the camera units were broken or out of order?
Thank you for your assistance.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2061-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 6th December 2021 asking for information about speed cameras.
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 the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below.
Question 1. Referring to all models of speed cameras, how many Police-operated fixed speed camera units (active or otherwise) are installed on roads within the MPS Constabulary?
Answer: As of today’s date there are 962 fixed cameras sites on the MPS network
Question 2. On Nov 1, 2021, how many of these units were fitted with active cameras?
Answer: All of these sites are fitted with active cameras.
Question 3. On Nov 1, 2021, how many of these units were inactive?
And;
Question 4. On Nov 1, 2021, how many of the camera units were broken or out of order?
This information is exempt from disclosure under section 38 of the Freedom of Information Act. Under Section 38, information is exempt from disclosure where release would be likely to endanger the health and safety of any individual. In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would confirm whether speed restrictions will be enforced and would be likely to adversely affect the safety of road users. The purpose of enforcement is to deter motorists from breaking the law by travelling at speeds in excess of the stated limit. TfL and the MPS manage and enforce the network to ensure that there is good coverage across London and to prioritise enforcement where speed non-compliance, risk and harm is greatest. Therefore the enforcement of speeding relies on an overall deterrent effect, to encourage and obtain compliance with traffic regulations. Were there to be a perception that some camera sites were inactive, whether or not that perception is incorrect, the likely result is that there would be an increase in dangerous and unlawful driving through those areas. Thousands of injury collisions occur with excess speed being determined as a major contributory factor.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but there remains a very strong public interest in maintaining the effectiveness of speeding prevention measures and the subsequent safety benefits they bring. Protecting the overall deterrent effect in relation to speed cameras is paramount to ensuring maximum compliance which, in turn, helps to continue the reduction in road collisions that lead to injury and/or fatal outcomes. We therefore conclude that the overwhelming public interest falls in favour of maintaining the exemption.
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
