Request ID: FOI-2479-2223 Date published: 26 January 2023
You asked
Please can you release to me the following information:
1) How many ANPR cameras does TfL operate? How many of those are for CC (Congestion Charging)?
2) Where are these cameras located?
3) What is the data gathered from non-CC (Congestion Charging) ANPR cameras used for?
4) What are the operating principles used by TfL for managing data gathered from the ANPR cameras?
5) How long does TfL retain data from the ANPR cameras, and what format is this data stored as? (e.g. License plate numbers, plate images, whole vehicle images etc.) (With the understanding that this information may be covered by the answer to question 4.)
6) Who can access this data within TfL?
7) What other agencies or organisations outside TfL can access this data?
8) Which agencies or organisations outside TfL have accessed this data within (a) 2022, (b) 2021, (c) 2020, where such information is available?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2479-2223
Thank you for your request which we received on 3 January 2023, asking for information about Transport for London's use of ANPR (automated number plate recognition) 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. You asked:
How many ANPR cameras does TfL operate? How many of those are for CC (Congestion Charging)?
We operate a network of 1,544 ANPR cameras to monitor and enforce the following RUC schemes:
The Central London Congestion Charging Scheme which was implemented in February 2003.
The Central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which was implemented in April 2019 and which occupies the same area as the CC zone.
The Greater London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which was implemented in February 2008 and which covers the whole of Greater London.
Direct Vision Standards (DVS) and the HGV safety permit schemes which starts on 1 March 2021 and which covers the whole of Greater London.
The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion within the North and South Circular which was implemented in October 2021.
981 cameras are used for enforcement of the schemes and 563 are used for monitoring.
While the cameras located in the central London zone were originally installed to monitor and enforce Congestion Charging, they are now used to monitor and enforce all RUC schemes.
Additional cameras are located outside the central London zone to cover LEZ and DVS.
Where are these cameras located?
Please see the attached spreadsheet for details of the locations of camera sites in the central London zone.
However, the locations of the cameras outside the central London zone are exempt from disclosure. Further information on the rationale for this, is set out in this published response.
What is the data gathered from non-CC (Congestion Charging) ANPR cameras used for?
What are the operating principles used by TfL for managing data gathered from the ANPR cameras?
How long does TfL retain data from the ANPR cameras, and what format is this data stored as? (e.g. License plate numbers, plate images, whole vehicle images etc.) (With the understanding that this information may be covered by the answer to question 4.)
Who can access this data within TfL?
What other agencies or organisations outside TfL can access this data?
The above information you asked for is available on the TfL website using the following links:
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.
Which agencies or organisations outside TfL have accessed this data within (a) 2022, (b) 2021, (c) 2020, where such information is available?
The only external agency or organisation which has direct access to TfL ANPR cameras is the Metropolitan Police Service – more detail in relation to this can be found here: Road User Charging - Transport for London.
At our discretion we may disclose information (including personal data) in response to valid requests from third parties, such as insurance companies. These requests would not be for full access to all information held, rather for specific images only (e.g. relating to a specific vehicle, dates, times, etc). All third party requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that any disclosure is lawful and in accordance with the Data Protection legislation. Before we authorise any disclosure the requester will need to demonstrate how the information requested will assist them and also to be clear under which exemption of the Data Protection Act 2018 they are making their request.
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
