Request ID: FOI-2940-2122 Date published: 03 May 2022
You asked
1) a list of yellow boxes that are enforced and the number of tickets issued to each in 2019
2) Any documents/correspondence detailing the decision making process in choosing which boxes to enforce.
3) Any evidence that fire engines have experienced reduced delay as a result of enforcement outside West Hill and Homerton fire stations. For example before/after data of fire engines exit being blocked.
4) Any documents/correspondence regarding the decision to install a yellow box outside West Hill fire station.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2940-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 21st March 2022 asking for information about the enforcement of yellow box junctions.
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 some of the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below:
Question 1) a list of yellow boxes that are enforced and the number of tickets issued to each in 2019?
Answer: The requested information 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 would reveal locations where enforcement activity is less likely to be implemented and may therefore encourage people to ignore restrictions at those junctions. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than your own interest, the disclosure of information under FOI has to be 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.
Question 2) Any documents/correspondence detailing the decision making process in choosing which boxes to enforce.
Answer: TfL monitors the Transport for London Road Network at all times to identify any locations where compliance can be improved and which in turn enhances traffic flow and pedestrian and cyclist safety on our roads. This is how we decide which yellow boxes we enforce. There are no specific documents or correspondence detailing this.
Question 3) Any evidence that fire engines have experienced reduced delay as a result of enforcement outside West Hill and Homerton fire stations. For example before/after data of fire engines exit being blocked.
Question 4) Any documents/correspondence regarding the decision to install a yellow box outside West Hill fire station.
Answer: West Hill, SW18, is on a busy stretch of the South Circular and the Yellow Box Junction at West Hill Fire Station was installed following a request from the fire service. Previously there were ‘keep clear’ markings on the carriageway but these were proving ineffective and the fire service was experiencing problems exiting the station in emergency situations. TfL marked the yellow box junction on West Hill (outside the fire station) on the 21 March 2013 and enforcement at this yellow box junction commenced on the 12 April 2013. TfL does not hold any documents regarding the decision to install a yellow box at this location aside from the email chain attached (note that we have a seven year retention period for emails, and so anything prior to 2015 will have been deleted). Some redactions have been made under section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, the exemption that protects against the unfair release of personal data.
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
