Request ID: FOI-2494-2324 Date published: 01 December 2023
You asked
Dear TFL
I am making a FOI as a matter of public interest regarding contracts with Capita security
Are TFL using Capita Security to guard and safeguard the White ULEZ camera vans ?
We answered
TfL Ref: 2494-2324 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 15 October 2023 asking for information about ULEZ mobile vans. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked: I am making a FOI as a matter of public interest regarding contracts with Capita security. Are TFL using Capita Security to guard and safeguard the White ULEZ camera vans?
TfL has deployed mobile units as part of our extensive camera network to support the effective operation of the ULEZ scheme. Licensed security workers are used to support the mobile ANPR cameras as required.
In accordance with the EIR, we are not obliged to supply the name of the company providing this service as it is subject to a statutory exception to the right of access to information under regulations R12(5)(a) – international relations, defence, national security & public safety (in this instance, specifically public safety). The decision to withhold this information was driven by an alarming increase in incidents of threats, abuse, and harassment directed at the security personnel supporting the implementation of the ULEZ. These have included clear and direct threats to their personal safety, the sharing of personal information, and targeted harassment on social media. This behaviour is unacceptable, and all serious incidents have been reported to the police for investigation. We have a duty of care to protect individuals working on our behalf and to ensure they can work in an environment free from physical, verbal, and online abuse and harassment. While we value transparency and recognise the public interest in disclosing information related to public assets and expenditure of public funds, the current climate of ongoing threats and risk of further harm requires us to withhold this information until it can be considered safe to do so.
The use of this exception is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency, and in particular where this relates to the maintenance of public assets, the utilisation of security staff and the effective operation of public funds. With that in mind, our preferred position is to be able to disclose the information requested.
However, in the current climate, with the continued threats, abuse and harassment occurring towards these individuals both in person and on social media we consider that there is a very weighty greater public interest in ensuring that we do not place information into the public domain that could be used to assist with this campaign of harassment and it would be negligent of us to ignore the threats that have been prevalent. Therefore, in this instance we feel that the balance lies in favour of withholding the information to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals working on our behalf. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
