Request ID: FOI-2782-2223 Date published: 20 February 2023
You asked
Please can you tell me if the cameras used to collect images for the Congestion Charge are the same cameras as used for the ulez zones .are they same spec same design and both using the same lenses to collect images of vehicles VRM to collect data on vehicles and issue penalties for non compliance vehicles and those failing to pay the charge.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2782-2223
Thank you for your request received by us on 28 January 2023 asking for information about ULEZ and Congestion Charge 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 specifically asked:
Please can you tell me if the cameras used to collect images for the Congestion Charge are the same cameras as used for the ULEZ zones, are they same spec same design and both using the same lenses to collect images of vehicles VRM to collect data on vehicles and issue penalties for non-compliance vehicles and those failing to pay the charge.
We operate a network of approximately 1,544 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor and enforce the following Road User Charging (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.
We do not operate a separate, dedicated network of cameras for any particular scheme(s) because, depending on their location, all of our cameras can be used to operate all of the above mentioned RUC schemes.
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
