Request ID: FOI-2834-2324 Date published: 07 December 2023
You asked
Please provide a copy of the tender document to security companies inviting them to provide the unidentifiable masked SIA licensed thugs to guard the ULEZ mobile vans stating that the thugs were exempt from displaying their licenses as they are performing "front line manned guarding of valuable property"
We answered
TfL Ref: EIR-2833-2324 and EIR-2834-2324 Thank you for your requests received by Transport for London (TfL) on 8th November 2023 asking for information about ULEZ cameras. Your requests have been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. Specifically you asked the following: Case reference EIR-2833-2324: “Please advise what law is being broken by covering ULEZ cameras (static and mobile) with temporary covers (boxes/bags/stickers) which do not damage them and can easily be removed. "Against the public interest" is subjective and not a law you can use. It doesn't contravene the RTA or the Highway Code. It's not obstructing the Highway.” And; Case reference EIR-2834-2324: “Please provide a copy of the tender document to security companies inviting them to provide the unidentifiable masked SIA licensed thugs to guard the ULEZ mobile vans stating that the thugs were exempt from displaying their licenses as they are performing "front line manned guarding of valuable property". In regard to case reference EIR-2833-2324, having considered the question further, we do not believe it constitutes a request for recorded information. Rather, this is a request for explanation. It is not for TfL to provide explanations on matters of law such as this, which fall outside of our jurisdiction. The apprehension and prosecution of offenders is principally a matter for the police and the crown prosecution service. You may therefore wish to re-direct your question to the police. In response to case reference EIR-2834-2324, 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. Where security personnel are used to support the vans they are suitably licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). These staff operate as Close Protection Officers. As such, they are not required to publicly display identification. However, the staff carry their licence when working and will show it if requested to the Police, SIA inspectors or licencing officers from a local council. In accordance with the EIR, we are not obliged to supply the name of the company or the procurement details around 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). If this is not the information you are looking for 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, David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
