Request ID: FOI-2076-2223 Date published: 19 December 2022
You asked
Follow-up to FOI-1770-2223:
Thank you for this.
As you may be aware, the matter I am examining has turned into even more complex a matrix than I had predicted; that is the legal position, responsibilities, and interrelationship between TfL, the London boroughs and the Metropolitan Police relating to speed zones and their signage in central London.
Given your remit under the FOI Act, I request the following information.
1) The report recommending speed zones in central London, including the reasoning behind the recommendations. If there is a specific one for Red Routes and TFL does not have the report(s) for non Red Routes, then could I be informed which entity does. Thank you.
2) The instructions to contractors installing speed zone signage on Red Routes.
3) The documentation related to the checking of the correct installation of speed zone signage on Red Routes.
Thank you.
Clarification received 23/11/2022: I refer to reports related to the planning, installation and recent introduction of the 20mph and 30 mph speed zones on Transport for London Road Network (TLRN).
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2076-2223
Thank you for your further request of 21st November 2022 (as clarified on 23rd November 2022) asking for information about traffic speed zone signage.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“I request the following information.
The report recommending speed zones in central London, including the reasoning behind the recommendations. If there is a specific one for Red Routes and TFL does not have the report(s) for non Red Routes, then could I be informed which entity does. Thank you.
The instructions to contractors installing speed zone signage on Red Routes.
The documentation related to the checking of the correct installation of speed zone signage on Red Routes.”
On 23rd November 2022 this was clarified as follows:
“I refer to reports related to the planning, installation and recent introduction of the 20mph and 30 mph speed zones on Transport for London Road Network (TLRN).”
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
In answer to Question 1, the Lowering Speed Limits programme is part of a Mayoral Commitment towards “Vision Zero” - eliminating fatal and serious injury collisions from London’s roads by 2041 (see here for more general information: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/safety-and-security/road-safety/vision-zero-for-london). The programme was first introduced in the Vision Zero Action Plan in 2018, a copy of which is attached. A map showing the scope of the programme can be found on page 39 of the document. The programme affects only the TfL road network.
In answer to question 2, please see the “Westminster Build Task Order” and “Westmintser Design Task Order” documents attached. Note that the names of non-TfL staff have been redacted under section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, the exemption that protects against the unfair release of personal data. Information relating to prices paid has also been redacted under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information, on the basis that it would prejudice TfL commerically for such information to be released by undermining our future negotiations for similar work. This exemption is “qualified”, meaning it is subject to consideration of the Public Interest Test, to determine whether the greater public interest rests in applying the exemption and withholding the information, or in releasing it in any case. 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 the overall balance of public interest lies in the exemption applying, in order to ensure that TfL secures the best value for public money in procuring any such works in the future.
In answer to Question 3, please see the documents “Westminster Snag List” and “Defects Notice”.
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,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
