Request ID: FOI-4186-2324 Date published: 29 February 2024
You asked
Can you please provide the number of NIP’s (Notice of intended Prosecution) issued since the 19/12/23 on the A20 Eastbound, West of Sandy Lane to East of Cookham Road to date. Also I want to know how many issued for 40-49mph and how many for 50-59 mph. I note that this will be dealt with within 20 days.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-4186-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 February 2024 asking for information about A20 speed limit NIP notices.
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.
Can you please provide the number of NIP’s (Notice of intended Prosecution) issued since the 19/12/23 on the A20 Eastbound, West of Sandy Lane to East of Cookham Road to date. Also I want to know how many issued for 40-49mph and how many for 50-59 mph.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) are the enforcement authority and hold data relating to NIPs issued. In this instance, we do also hold this data. However, the 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 TfL and the MPS 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:
