Use of ULEZ cameras prior to August 2023 expansion
Request ID: FOI-2963-2223 Date published: 10 March 2023
You asked
Please would you provide a schedule for the planned date or dates on which ULEZ enforcement cameras in the expansion zone will start to record number plate data, the reasons for doing so prior to 29th August 2023, the intended use of any data collected prior to 29th August 2023 and the length of time over which this data will be held. If the intended switch on date varies by borough, or by individual location, please provide a timeline of planned dates for cameras to start collecting data in each borough or individual location within the expansion zone.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2963-2223 Thank you for your request received on 11 February 2023 asking for information about the Ultra-low Emission Zone (ULEZ) 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 do hold the information you require. Following the Mayoral decision to proceed with the expansion of the ULEZ London-wide, TfL has been and will be continuing to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in preparation for the launch of the scheme in August 2023. ANPR cameras have been used to enforce Road User Charging schemes such as the Congestion Charge, Low Emission Zone and the ULEZ in central and inner-London for many years.
Currently the newly installed outer-London ANPR cameras are not operational, with no data being transmitted onward for use. From April 2023 (before the expanded scheme formally begins), the newly installed cameras will be used to test the technical infrastructure that links the camera network to the Road User Charging back office systems and also ensure that cameras were capturing vehicle data correctly and at the right volumes. We will also use the cameras for business planning purposes (e.g. resourcing and system capacity requirements) traffic monitoring (using pseudonymised) as well as to inform our awareness campaign for the expanded zone. The 29 August 2023 is the single go-live date for the scheme. TfL has followed the required Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) process and have a published DPIA on our website, as part of the wider Privacy Notice for Road User Charging, (https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/privacy-and-cookies/road-user-charging) which sets out how we minimise data collection from ANPR cameras to only what is needed, how data will be used, how long it will be kept for and how we keep it secure. ANPR camera data can be shared with the Metropolitan Police Service to aid their investigations, and for the prevention and detection of crime. These arrangements currently only apply to central and outer London ANPR cameras and are subject to data protection law and Information Commissioner’s Office safeguards and best practice. Otherwise TfL does not share ANPR camera data with other organisations.
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.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
