What information is used when making a conclusion if a road has been closed and a diversion has been put in place.
Request ID: FOI-3916-2324 Date published: 21 February 2024
You asked
I want to know what information is used when congestion charge representations are rejected.
On 03rd of November 2023, HOLYWELL LANE EC2A was closed and I would like to know the following;
1. How many PNC notices were issued on 03rd November 2022 for PHIPP STREET EC2A?
2. How many PNC notices were issued on 03rd November 2023 for PHIPP STREET EC2A?
3. What information does the person rejecting a representation have to make a rejection decision.
4. What road diversions where in place on HOLYWELL LANE AND PHIPP STREET on 03rd November 2023.
4. Do you have any applications for the closure of HOLYWELL LANE, EC2A for 02rd NOVEMBER 2023, 04th NOVEMBER 2023 and 05th NOVEMBER 2023.
5. Are CCTV cameras looked at to give a further informed decision on road closures when rejecting representations.
I look forward to hearing from you.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-3916-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 29 January 2024 asking for information about Congestion Charging.
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 the information you require.
By way of background, if we are made aware that a road will be closed and vehicles will be diverted into the Congestion Charging Zone, we implement an extensive signage strategy to ensure that all motorists are aware of the diversion and the route to follow.
All Congestion Charge cameras along the diversion route are switched off. As long as the vehicle being diverted follows the diversion route a PCN will not be issued.
Sometimes we do not receive prior notice of diversions, such as when a diversion is implemented due to an emergency. In such circumstances the cameras will be switched off as soon as possible but may remain operational immediately following the implementation of the diversion. If a PCN is issued due to the vehicle being diverted into the Congestion Charging zone then the recipient of the penalty can make a representation to us. When it is apparent that the vehicle was forced into the zone due to the diversion the representation will be accepted and the penalty cancelled.
How many PNC notices were issued on 03rd November 2022 for PHIPP STREET EC2A?
Two Penalty Charge Notices were issued for being captured at Phipp Street on 03/11/2022
How many PNC notices were issued on 03rd November 2023 for PHIPP STREET EC2A?
Six Penalty Charge Notices were issued for being captured at Phipp Street on 03/11/2023
What information does the person rejecting a representation have to make a rejection decision.
They have access to any relevant information, including whether vehicles were diverted into the zone on the time/date of a contravention. They also have access to official and unplanned diversions/diversion routes
What road diversions where in place on HOLYWELL LANE AND PHIPP STREET on 03rd November 2023.
There were no diversions in place as the Hollywell Lane closure did not force entry into the Congestion Charging Zone.
Holywell Lane was closed between Great Eastern Street and Curtain Road from 03 November until 06 November for emergency Thames Water works. However, the closure did not entail a diversion into the Congestion Charging zone as traffic could use Great Eastern Street - on the boundary of the zone – as an alternative route.
4. Do you have any applications for the closure of HOLYWELL LANE, EC2A for 02rd NOVEMBER 2023, 04th NOVEMBER 2023 and 05th NOVEMBER 2023.
See above
5. Are CCTV cameras looked at to give a further informed decision on road closures when rejecting representations.
No, our agents do not use CCTV when considering a representation, see answer to question 3
Please let me know if this is not the information you are looking for. If you are not satisfied with this response 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
