FOI request detail

Legal Process For Street Repossession

Request ID: FOI-2675-2021
Date published: 13 April 2021

You asked

I would be very grateful if you could advise in basic terms what the legal process or procedure is if TfL were to ever take possession / seize control of a street from a local borough authority. I don’t require any major legal jargon just the simplest of explanations & mainly how long this procedure would take. As an example something like - It is a long legal process due to the complex nature of the procedure........ I thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter and look forward to your reply.

We answered

Our ref: FOI-2675-2021 - CRM:0141001 Thank you for your request received on 17 March 2021 asking for information about streets. Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. You asked: I would be very grateful if you could advise in basic terms what the legal process or procedure is if TfL were to ever take possession / seize control of a street from a local borough authority. TfL controls around five per cent of London’s road network and these are strategic GLA roads known as Red Routes and are some of the busiest roads in the capital. Red Routes are defined under what is known as Designation Orders. TfL also has some responsibility for some of the Side Road returns which have a junction with the GLA roads. Based on information in the Designation Orders, TfL implements Red Route restrictions on areas designated as TfL’s by making traffic regulation orders which can introduce red lines, bus lanes, parking bays, etc. If TfL and the Boroughs agree, the designation of the road can change by amending the appropriate designation order. This enables responsibility for the roads to pass between the relevant Boroughs and TfL or vice versa. If the relevant Boroughs do not agree then the Secretary of State can be asked to make the necessary order. If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI 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. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely Melissa Nichols FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London

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