Our ref: FOI-3263-2425/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 8 January 2025 asking for information about a “no right turn sign” placed on Elspeth Road London, SW11.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold some of the information you require.
1. On what date was a “A no right hand turn sign” placed on Elspeth Road London, SW11?
We do not hold the date the signage was erected, however, the location became enforceable on 12 December 2019 and the signage was in place on this date.
2. At what distance from the right hand turn into Mysore Road, London, SW11 was this no right hand sign placed on the pavement in Elspeth Road.
The ‘No Right Turn’ sign on Elspeth Road is approximately 48 meters from the no right turn into Mysore Road. As per the Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 3 - 4.5 ‘Sitings of signs at junctions’ the advance signs are mounted at a distance of approximately 50 meters, however, the distance vary as per layout of the road.
3. For what reason was it felt necessary for TFL to place this no right hand turn sign on Elspeth Road restricting traffic access (other than cyclists) from one direction only (from the Clapham Common end of Elspeth Road)?
This banned turn was introduced by the London Borough of Wandsworth, so they would be best placed to advise you why this restriction has been implemented. A copy of the Traffic Management Order for this can be found on a response we have sent to a previous FOI request:
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-2668-2425
4. How many PCN’s have been issued against motorists by TFL for performing this restricted No right hand turn from Elspeth Road into Mysore Road since the sign was first erected?
5. What number/percentage of representations to PCN’s relating to this No right hand turn restriction received by TFL have been successfully cancelled?
This 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 (or similar information in relation to other areas) would reveal locations where enforcement activity is less likely to be implemented and may therefore encourage people to ignore restrictions at those locations. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than your own interest, the disclosure of information under FOI is 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. This principle has been previously agreed by the Information Commissioner in relation to a similar, previous request, as can be seen in the following Decision Notice - the same arguments apply in your case:
https://ico.org.uk/media/action-weve-taken/decision-notices/2021/2620057/ic-69434-n9n7.pdf
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
