Many London councils have employed cameras that can automatically detect yellow box junction offences, banned manoeuvres (left, right or U turns) or failure to comply with a no entry sign. Do TFL use any cameras capable of this (or similar), if so then: how many are there and where are they located?

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TfL Ref: FOI-3338-1819

Thank you for your email of 6^th March 2019 asking for information about the use of cameras for automatically detecting traffic offences.

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 the information you require. Specifically you asked:

“Many London councils have employed cameras that can automatically detect yellow box junction offences, banned manoeuvres (left, right or U turns) or failure to comply with a no entry sign.

Do TFL use any cameras capable of this (or similar), if so then: how many are there and where are they located?”

TfL operates a network of more than 900 CCTV enforcement cameras across our ‘red route’ road network, but these are manually operated rather than automatic. Our cameras can be used to enforce any type of traffic contravention including parking, bus lane and moving traffic restrictions. While each camera is available for use 24 hours a day, this does not mean they are constantly monitored or that they are being used to monitor a specific location.

Information on the location of our cameras is being withheld in accordance with section 31(1)(b) and Section 31(1)(g) of the FOI Act (the exemption which relates to “law enforcement”). Under this exemption we are not obliged to supply information if it would, or would be likely to, prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders or the exercise of functions for the purpose of ascertaining whether any person has failed to comply with the law.

In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information would reveal which parts of the TfL road network are covered by such cameras. The purpose of these cameras is to assist with the safe and smooth flow of traffic on the TfL road network, and TfL has the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices where drivers contravene a range of restrictions on the network. If drivers are aware of exactly where (and, by extension, where not) these cameras are placed then it could encourage non-compliance with those traffic restrictions in the areas that are not covered.

The use of this exemption is “qualified”, meaning that it is subject to an assessment of whether the greater public interest lies in applying the exemption and withholding the information or in releasing it in any case. In considering the public interest we recognise the expectation of openness and transparency placed on public authorities by the FOI Act, and the fact that the information has been requested is a clear argument in favour of release. However, in this instance there is also a clear public interest in ensuring that drivers in London use the roads in compliance with the relevant restrictions, to ensure the safe and effective operation of the road network. In this instance we believe the public interest arguments in favour of withholding the information outweigh those in favour of release, and hence the exemption is applied.

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 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

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