Request ID: FOI-3137-2324 Date published: 29 December 2023
You asked
With regards to the type of SIA licence the security guards hold, you have previously stated "The security personnel supporting the vans operate as Close Protection Officers. As such, they are not required to publicly display identification. However, note that these staff carry their licence when working and will show it if requested to the Police, SIA inspectors or licencing officers from a local council."
According to Gov.uk it states the following "close protection licence – for guarding people against physical assault or injury" which would make them close protection officers.
Can you clarify in no uncertain terms which people are they guarding?
According to the Gov.uk it also states "security guard licence – for guarding premises or property against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour", which would make them Security guard officers.
It is obvious that the "security guards" are there to protect the property, e.g. the ULEZ vans, and not any one person, certainly not the public.
As security guards protecting the vehicle, and not people the guards should be displaying their SIA badges at all times.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-3137-2324
Thank you for your request received on 1 December 2023 asking for information about the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) mobile camera van security guards.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
TfL has deployed mobile units as part of our extensive camera network to support the effective operation of the ULEZ scheme. Staff accompanying these vans are not necessarily operating in a security role. Rather, they may be in attendance as operatives of the vans or providing transport for those staff. Where security personnel are used to support the vans they are acting as Close Protection Officers to these staff and are suitably licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). As previously stated, these staff carry their licence when working and will show it if requested to the Police, SIA inspectors or licencing officers from a local council.
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
