Request ID: FOI-3552-2223 Date published: 13 April 2023
You asked
Follow-up to FOI-3423-2223:
Thanks for the reply.
Alas, this is not quite the information I am looking for.
I am seeking to find out what datasets TFL store on refusals - I have been told in another FOI that "TFL does not hold data as to what exemptions they issue or deny", which I do not believe is lawful for a variety of reasons.
If there is not a register of issued exemptions, how is TFL ensuring that these exemptions are indeed in place?
Clarification received 30/03/2023: I am not quite sure how else to word it.
In a previous FOI, I received the following reply from someone in your team:
Unfortunately we do not hold the information you have requested as we do not record or track these type of exemptions, nor do we have access to the type and age of vehicle being registered as such details are not needed to administer the scheme.
What I am trying to ascertain from that, is what information *is* stored. How can you administer the scheme without knowing this information.
What type of exemptions *do* you track?
I am trying to work out why no less than 20 vehicles the same as mine have been granted an exemption, but mine is being refused. So, what data is being stored regarding exemptions being issued or refused. If you don't know if you have issued an exemption how can the vehicle be exempt?!
Happy to explain this on a call if it is still unclear
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3552-2223
Thank you for your further request of 29th March 2023.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“I am seeking to find out what datasets TFL store on refusals - I have been told in another FOI that "TFL does not hold data as to what exemptions they issue or deny", which I do not believe is lawful for a variety of reasons.
If there is not a register of issued exemptions, how is TFL ensuring that these exemptions are indeed in place?”.
I note that my colleague, Emma Flint, has in effect already addressed this in her response of 5th April 2023 to a separate Internal Review request you made on 16th March 2023. A copy of that response is attached for ease of reference. There is nothing further that I can usefully add to it.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
