Request ID: FOI-4731-2324 Date published: 17 April 2024
You asked
F/on from FOI-4371
Thank you for your detailed response to my request for information about the calibration and maintenance of speed cameras under Transport for London's jurisdiction. I understand the challenges you've outlined regarding the resources and potential for vandalism, and appreciate the careful consideration of my request in light of these issues.
In light of your feedback, I would like to amend my request to work within the constraints you've identified, while still seeking to understand the calibration and fitness for purpose of these cameras. Rather than requesting data on all 800 cameras, I propose the following revised requests, which I hope will be less burdensome and align with your operational and resource capacities:
1. Sample Data Request: Could you provide calibration and maintenance records for a representative sample of speed cameras? For instance, data pertaining to 10 cameras randomly selected from different areas under TfL's jurisdiction. This would give insight into the general practices without necessitating a comprehensive review.
2. Aggregated Data Request: Alternatively, could you supply aggregated data or a summary report on the calibration and maintenance practices for the speed cameras? This would include general information such as the frequency of calibrations, common maintenance issues and their resolutions, and any standard procedures for ensuring the cameras' accuracy and reliability, without identifying specific camera locations or details that could lead to vandalism.
3. Policy and Procedure Documentation: If the above requests are still too resource-intensive, could you please provide any existing policy documents, guidelines, or summary reports that detail the standards, procedures, and schedules for calibration and maintenance of speed cameras? This would help understand the framework and intentions behind the operational practices without needing individual camera data.
I hope these revised requests address the concerns about resources and vandalism while allowing me to gain insight into the effectiveness and reliability of the speed camera system in place. My aim is to understand the oversight and quality assurance mechanisms that ensure these cameras are fit for purpose, rather than identifying specific camera locations.
Thank you for considering these amended requests. I look forward to your response.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-4731-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 20 March 2024 asking for information about speed camera calibration.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold some of the information you require.
We do not hold speed camera calibration certificates – these are held by the Metropolitan Police Service.
We do have maintenance records for each camera, however, we do not hold aggregated data or a summary report to answer this part of your request.
Speed cameras used in London are prescribed devices as per Section 20 Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 that have been through the Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) process. This process is a recognised means of testing and approving the accuracy and integrity of the equipment and is recognised in the Courts of England and Wales. In addition to this, each device is calibrated annually by the supplier to ensure ongoing accuracy and integrity of the device to ensure that any evidence produced can be relied upon for a valid prosecution. TfL also works in partnership with the suppliers and our contractors to maintain the device and the site. Common issues could include a camera going out of calibration, foliage obstructing the view or a fault with the flash. In any instance where a camera is not working correctly, it is not enforced by the police until remedial work has been completed.
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
