TfL Ref: 2520-2425
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 5 November 2024 asking for information about the red route on Lansbury Avenue, Feltham.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Your specific questions and our replies regarding red route road markings on Lansbury Avenue Feltham are as follows:
1.The changes which were made some time ago reducing in size the 20 minute parking area to what it is today making it difficult for two vehicles to fit in the white lined bay. The question is why did this happen - the result has, I suspect, enabled TFL to impose more PCNs.
We have viewed images from 2020 of the bay at that location and then from May 2024 and confirm that the size of the bay has not changed in that period.
2. In conjunction with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I have also asked TFL for historical information about PCN charges collected using the camera monitoring cars parked in Lansbury Avenue outside the designated parking area. This is still unanswered.
I can confirm that we hold the information you require. However, the information requested is exempt from disclosure under section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, which can apply where release of information would be likely to prejudice the prevention of crime, or to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders. This is because the release of this information (or similar information in relation to other areas) would reveal locations where enforcement activity is less likely to be implemented and may therefore encourage people to ignore restrictions at those locations. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than your own interest, the disclosure of information under FOI is regarded as a disclosure to the public at large.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the ‘public interest test’ to determine whether the greater public interest rests in the exemption applying and the information being withheld, or in releasing it in any event. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities and the fact that you have requested the information is in itself an argument for release. However, in this instance we feel that balance of public interest lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure that we are able to manage traffic on the TfL Road Network. It would be strongly against the public interest to release any information that would undermine this. We consider that the release of this information would lead to increased traffic problems as some motorists may seek to take advantage of the information, which would have a detrimental effect on street management. This principle has been previously agreed by the Information Commissioner in relation to a similar, previous request, as can be seen in the following Decision Notice - the same arguments apply in your case:
https://ico.org.uk/media/action-weve-taken/decision-notices/2021/2620057/ic-69434-n9n7.pdf
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
