I’d like to know how many CCTV cameras TfL operates in London organised by street name. I don’t mean CCTV cameras that only monitor your stations, platforms or train carriages, I am only looking for CCTV cameras that monitor roads. In addition to this information, I’d like to know: • What is the purpose of the camera? • How long is the footage stored for? • Do you have any plans to implement new CCTV cameras (that monitor a street/road) soon? If so, where?

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TfL Ref: FOI-2398-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 22 February 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 some of the information you require. You asked:

I’d like to know how many CCTV cameras TfL operates in London organised by street name. I don’t mean CCTV cameras that only monitor your stations, platforms or train carriages, I am only looking for CCTV cameras that monitor roads.

There are 1085 CCTV street cameras operated by TfL.

With regard to the location of the cameras, in accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply this information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act. Please see more information in this published response here.

• What is the purpose of the camera?

This is explained in more detail on our website here.

In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.

• How long is the footage stored for?

We do not routinely record traffic monitoring cameras as standard as they are used for real time traffic monitoring.

On occasion some cameras can be recorded, if the operator feels it could add benefit to a safety investigation at the time, but this is rare.

We have two camera systems for monitoring the road network. The streets CCTV system does not record and the tunnels CCTV system auto deletes any recording after 24 hours.

The CCTV cameras can also be used by the TfL enforcement team for the purpose of enforcement such as yellow box junction contraventions, again this footage is only recorded as required and can be kept for up to 18 months but is generally deleted once the penalty change notice is resolved

• Do you have any plans to implement new CCTV cameras (that monitor a street/road) soon? If so, where?

We plan to implement more cameras to increase safety and improve congestion in the next year. Locations have not been finalised yet.

If you are considering submitting a further request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI/EIR requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

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

Eva Hextall

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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