Request ID: FOI-2285-2122 Date published: 19 January 2022
You asked
Dear Sir/Madam,
On 4th December 2021, I was driving through London making sure to avoid the congestion charge zone. Unfortunately, my planned route was diverted due to closure of Tower Bridge.
I would like to request a copy of the permitted diversion route operating from 4th-6th December 2021, whilst Tower Bridge was closed.
I would also like to request confirmation that, whilst the bridge was closed, drivers following the diversion would be exempted from the congestion charge.
I have already attempted to request this information from the City of London/Highways Division; however, they have assured me that TFL would be able to provide this information.
I look forward to hearing from you as a matter of urgency.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2285-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 10 January 2022 asking for information about a diversion at Tower Bridge on 4 December 2021. 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. You asked: On 4th December 2021, I was driving through London making sure to avoid the congestion charge zone. Unfortunately, my planned route was diverted due to closure of Tower Bridge (please see attached document for confirmation).
I would like to request a copy of the permitted diversion route operating from 4th-6th December 2021, whilst Tower Bridge was closed.
I would also like to request confirmation that, whilst the bridge was closed, drivers following the diversion would be exempted from the congestion charge.
The works you refer to were carried out by the City of London for expansion joint works and Bascule Nose bolt repairs on Tower Bridge. Please find attached the diversion map for vehicles as requested. The diversion signs included the comment that no charge would be made if the route was followed.
Please note that in accordance with TfL’s obligations under Data Protection legislation some personal data has been removed, as required by section 40(2) of the FOI Act. This is because disclosure of this personal data would be a breach of the legislation, specifically the first principle which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful. It would not be fair to disclose this personal information when the individuals have no expectation it would be disclosed and TfL has not satisfied one of the conditions which would make the processing ‘fair’.This exemption to the right of access to information is an absolute exemption and not subject to an assessment of whether the public interest favours use of the exemption.
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
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
