Request ID: FOI-2136-2122 Date published: 11 January 2022
You asked
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request historical road closure data to be made available to the public. The background to my request is as follows.
On Sunday 5 December 2021 I was driving on Mansell Street towards Tower Bridge, intending to cross the bridge and travel towards Elephant and Castle. On approaching the junction I noticed that Tower Bridge was closed and road diversion sign was pointing me towards Tower Hill into the Congestion Charge Zone. The road diversion sign also stated that congestion charge would not apply to vehicles being diverted. I therefore followed the diversion signs until the diversion was complete (at the A201/A100 roundabout).
On 15 December 2021 I received a PCN for driving in Congestion Charge Zone on 5 December 2021 without paying congestion charge, with CCTV photo of my vehicle entering the Congestion Charge Zone at Tower Hill. I made a representation to TfL online and explained the situation. However, I struggled to find road closure information in the public domain to use as evidence to support my representation. Needless to say I could not have taken a photo of the road closure sign or the diversion sign (that stated congestion charge would not apply on the diversion route) at the time, as I was driving.
While I trust TfL to hold road closure information in its database and is able to review my representation and come to the conclusion that I should not have been issued a PCN, I believe that by making historical road closure information publicly available it would make the appeal process easier, and give drivers the confidence that data is available as evidence to support representations.
In my search for historical road closure information online I have come across several sources, such as TfL status update, London road work register and TfL API. Unfortunately these sources are either not showing historical information, or difficult to use without advanced IT skills.
For this particular FOI request I would like to access the road closure information for Tower Bridge Road maintenance work on 5 December 2021 and the diversion routes associated. However, as a general request I would like TfL to make historical road closure information publicly available and easily accessible in the near future, to help fellow road users experiencing similar issues.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
We answered
Our ref: FOI-2136-2122/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 15 December 2021 asking for road closure data.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
The diversion was publicised here - http://public.londonworks.gov.uk/ but the diversions are removed after 2 weeks from the end date.
Our service provider is aware of the diversion and I understand that you have been advised that your representation has been accepted and therefore your PCN has been cancelled.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. .
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
