Request ID: FOI-2676-2122 Date published: 10 March 2022
You asked
Hi,
I recently received a penalty for the ULMZ
My representation has been made against the following PCN(s):
xxxx and xxxx
I shall be appealing this on the grounds that my vehicle is already classed as "Low Emission"
because of this i would like to request under "The Freedom of Information Act 2000"
some information that may help me in my appeal.
Please can you provide me with HARD copies of the following information:
When was the ULMZ first introduced? Outer and Inner
How many ULMZ signposts are there and their locations? and Cameras and there Locations
How many Diesel vehicles are exempt in this area? (Buses,Refuse Trucks,Emergency Service Vehicles etc)
What are the emissions of a Dust Cart compared to my low emissions vehicle 094 G/KM?
How much revenue have you received in full from ULMZ charges in Daily Tariff payments?
How much revenue have you received in full ULMZ penalty charges?
Following on from the previous 2 questions -How much total revenue have you received since introducing the ULMZ? in full
What is all this revenue used on? It ,in my view, is clearly not used for introducing low emissions vehicles into London as it is currently only London's 'Square Mile' that have Electric vehicles
I feel with this information i will be able to more confidently carry out the appeal process.
I am unsure whether you are the correct governing body to answer these questions but would appreciate any help you can provide.
If i have contacted the correct authority then please could you provide me with a lead time on when i can receive this information.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2676-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 17 February 2022 asking for information about the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. Your questions and our replies are as follows:
When was the ULMZ first introduced? Outer and Inner
The ULEZ was launched on 8 April 2019 and expanded on 25 October 2021.
How many ULMZ signposts are there and their locations and cameras and their locations.
We do not hold the location of all the ULEZ signs as they are still being finalised following the expansion. The signs however are located at every entry point into the zone at the North and South Circular Roads. In addition, advance information signs are located on the main approaches at approximately 2 miles and 0.5 miles from the entry point. Directional signs display the ULEZ symbol on junctions approaching the entry point and repeater signs are placed at regular intervals on main roads inside the zone.
1483 new permanent signs were installed for the ULEZ expansion scheme. This number does not include existing road signs that were amended or upgraded for safety or informational purposes, or temporary signs that were installed ahead of the scheme.
With regards to ULEZ cameras and their locations, I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Note that we do not use separate camera networks to monitor and enforce different Road User Charging (RUC) schemes. Please see the attached spreadsheet for details of the locations of camera sites in the central London zone. This information applies to all RUC schemes, including the Congestion Charge and the current ULEZ.
However, the location of cameras outside of the central zone is excepted from disclosure under Regulation12(5)(g) of the EIR, the exception that can apply where release of information would have an adverse impact on the environment. The rationale for this is explained below.
The aim of the ULEZ scheme is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from driving in the zone, and thereby reduce levels of pollutants that have been proven to damage human health through conditions such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses. TfL does not use separate camera networks to monitor and enforce different Road User Charging (RUC) schemes. The attached spreadsheet details the locations of camera sites in the central London zone. This information applies to all RUC schemes, including the Congestion Charge, Low Emission Zone and ULEZ. However, unlike the central London zone it is not possible to have cameras throughout the expanded ULEZ or on every single entry and exit point at its boundary, due to its much larger size.
When information is released under the EIR it is considered to be release to the world at large rather than the individual applicant. By releasing the location of the cameras outside of the central zone it would enable those who wish to avoid detection to enter or drive within the zone, defeating the purpose of the scheme. If vehicle owners know they can avoid the charge by avoiding the cameras, it removes the incentive to adapt their vehicle, or reduce its use, in line with the scheme’s objectives. This in turn will affect the level of improvement in air quality. The locations of the cameras outside the central London zone are therefore excepted from disclosure.
The use of this exception is subject to an assessment of the ‘Public Interest Test’, to determine whether the greater public interest rests in applying the exception or in releasing the information in any event. We appreciate the need for openness and transparency in the operation of our business, and the fact that you have requested the information is in itself an argument for release. However, in this instance we believe that the balance of overall public interest rests in ensuring compliance with the ULEZ scheme in order to ensure its objectives can be met. The scheme is designed to improve the environment for everyone in London, and the information that the public need to comply with the scheme - including a map of the area covered and a postcode checker - is proactively published on our website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone. For these reasons we believe the greater public interest rests in the exception applying.
How many Diesel vehicles are exempt in this area? (Buses,Refuse Trucks,Emergency Service Vehicles etc)
We do not hold this information.
What are the emissions of a Dust Cart compared to my low emissions vehicle 094 G/KM?
We do not hold this information.
How much revenue have you received in full from ULMZ charges in Daily Tariff payments?
Since the ULEZ came into operation in April 2019 until 3 March 22 we have received £175,201,375 in payments for the daily charge.
How much revenue have you received in full ULMZ penalty charges?
Since the ULEZ came into operation in April 2019 until 3 March 22 we have received £83,914,463.02 in payment towards PCNs issued for non-payment of the ULEZ daily charge. From 25 October 2021 – 22 November 2021 we issued warning letters in place of PCNs. This amount is subject to change as more penalties are paid over time.
Following on from the previous 2 questions - how much total revenue have you received since introducing the ULMZ in full.
Total payments received is therefore £259,115,838.02
What is all this revenue used on? It, in my view, is clearly not used for introducing low emissions vehicles into London as it is currently only London's 'Square Mile' that have Electric vehicles
All revenue received from the ULEZ is used to improve the Transport Network in accordance with the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.
Please note a hard copy of this response has also been sent to you as requested.
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
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
