Request ID: FOI-3145-2223 Date published: 22 March 2023
You asked
• How much does each ULEZ camera cost?
• How many ULEZ cameras there are across Greater London?
• How much energy does each camera use?
• How much money has the scheme made from motorists paying £12.50 to drive inside the zone since it was implemented on 8 April 2019?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-3145-2223
Thank you for your request received on 25 February 2023 asking for information about the Ultra-low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion cameras.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. You asked:
• How much does each ULEZ camera cost?
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply this information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2) – prejudice to commercial interests.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information you have requested would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests, as well as those of the suppliers who provide, or may provide in the future, the cameras. Prejudice would be likely to occur should we go out to tender for this or similar services in the future, because it would be likely to result in a clustering of bids based on how much has been previously paid. Disclosing this information could also be prejudicial to the camera manufacturer’s ability to compete for tendering opportunities with other companies in the future, as their competitive edge would inevitably be prejudiced by disclosure of a breakdown of their price.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. TfL recognises the need for openness and transparency by public authorities but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that TfL is able to obtain the best value for public money outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.
• How many ULEZ cameras there are across Greater London?
As at 3 March 2023 we have circa 1,400 cameras used for ULEZ enforcement. Please note that some cameras are used for enforcing more than one road user charging scheme, for example the Congestion Charging Zone and Low Emission Zone (LEZ).
• How much energy does each camera use?
The power consumption per camera is 25W nominal.
• How much money has the scheme made from motorists paying £12.50 to drive inside the zone since it was implemented on 8 April 2019?
Since the scheme began we have received £318,253,812.50 in daily charge payments (up to 2 March 2023).
All money received from the scheme is reinvested into improving London's transport network, such as expanding bus routes in outer London.
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
