Request ID: FOI-3574-2223 Date published: 26 April 2023
You asked
Hi there
This was recently installed on Thornhill Rd, Surbiton, corner of Hook Rd. It’s obviously TfL but can you please tell me what it is and what it will be used for?
Thank you
We answered
TfL Ref: 3574-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 28 March 2023 asking for information about the installation of roadside infrastructure. 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. You asked:
This was recently installed on Thornhill Rd, Surbiton, corner of Hook Rd. It’s obviously TfL but can you please tell me what it is and what it will be used for?
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 31(1)(a) Law Enforcement which relates to all aspects of the prevention and detection of crime.
In this instance the exemption applies as disclosure of the information you have requested would describe the inner workings of our highways management systems and the purposes they serve for various technology related means.
Disclosure of this information could be used by those seeking to disrupt the running of our transport network, which in turn is critical to the overall efficacy of London’s highways and in particular, the Transport for London Road Network - the capital’s red routes. The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance we consider that there is greater public interest in safeguarding our infrastructure highway systems and their various functions.
Replies under the FOI Act have to be considered as disclosures to the public at large. Whilst we make no suggestion that your request is not made in good faith, given the concerns we have outlined, we believe that there is greater public interest in withholding specific information regarding our infrastructure, while making the best use of public funds in protecting the security and operations of our network.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, 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
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
