Request ID: FOI-4777-2324 Date published: 10 April 2024
You asked
Also I would like to know how many fines have been issued from the new bus lane which also I believe does not have a road sign. Can this be requested under the freedom of information act?
A210,ELTHAM HILL,W/B,(WESTHRN AV RBT TO JCT SIDCUP RD),SE9
Road Markings on the road have changed and there is no clear signage to indicate this change, this has purposely been done to trick drivers into driving into the bus lane. This is malicious and should be addressed immediately. The arrows used to be straight in the left and middle lane to indicate continuing down the A20, then in the right lane a right arrow to indicate going down the A2213, now the middle lane has a straight line to indicate going down the A2213, which is causing havoc as many drivers believe everyone is pushing in. There will be an accident here if it's not addressed soon. The left lane leads straight into the bus lane so you have to take a wide berth otherwise you get caught.
We answered
TfL Ref: 4777-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 24 March 2024 asking for information about the number of bus lane fines issued for the new bus lane located at Eltham Road / Sidcup Road / Kidbrooke Park Road.
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 would like to know how many fines have been issued from the new bus lane which also I believe does not have a road sign.
I can confirm that we hold the information you require. However, this 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 rather than to the individual applicant.
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 we are able to manage traffic on the 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 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:
