Current guidance relating to speed cameras

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.023032

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. As ACPO guidance is clearly not being followed due to excessive enforcement of those the manufacturer’s of speed cameras say have been speeding. Can you provide the current guidance on how the CPU manages and determines whether enforcement is needed. In addition, the reasons why the ACPO guidance has never been followed.
2. Can you provide the procedure / guidance the CPU uses to achieve ¬15% cancelled fixed penalty notices every year (this is consistent and therefore not random). Can you provide the KPI target details that relates to this value.
3. Can you provide other guidance issued from government the CPU is following regarding governance of the speed camera system?
4. Can you provide the justification for not publicly announcing the location(s) where known speed cameras are malfunctioning and thus capturing unsuspecting motorists, yet, still being issued FPNs before the fault is rectified.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - As ACPO guidance is clearly not being followed due to excessive enforcement of those the manufacturer’s of speed cameras say have been speeding. Can you provide the current guidance on how the CPU manages and determines whether enforcement is needed. In addition, the reasons why the ACPO guidance has never been followed.

CPU has been assumed to be the ‘Camera Processing Unit’.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Safety Camera department works in partnership with Transport for London (TfL) and we are responsible for the enforcement of automated speed and red light offences received from the digital network of automated cameras distributed throughout the network of roads in London.

This activity results in police sending a Notice of Intended Prosecution to the registered keeper of a vehicle requesting details of the driver. The team handle a high volume of offences to manage offending and ensure a suitable outcome. Offences are processed through an adjudication system and drivers identified are offered an appropriate disposal outcome subject to eligibility criteria.

Ensuring appropriate enforcement is taken may vary depending on the circumstances, from the issue of a National Safety Awareness course or Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty or prosecution at court. The latter two outcomes both result in the payment of a fine and driving licence endorsement.

Transport for London (TfL) have responsibility for ownership and maintenance of all Safety Camera equipment. The MPS works with TfL to support the Mayor’s Vision Zero, however, TfL determine the siting of any automated camera devices based on the number of killed or seriously injured (KSI) data.

The MPS changed the enforcement threshold for speed and red light offences from 10% +3 to 10% +2 mph with effect from 14 May 2019. The threshold is now consistent with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guidelines.

Posted speed limits are the maximum speed that road users should travel at any time, subject of course, to conditions irrespective of the speed threshold that police commence enforcement action.

Q2 - Can you provide the procedure / guidance the CPU uses to achieve ¬15% cancelled fixed penalty notices every year (this is consistent and therefore not random). Can you provide the KPI target details that relates to this value.

The Camera Processing Unit do not have a strategy or KPI target to cancel 15% of Fixed Penalty notices.

Q3 - Can you provide other guidance issued from government the CPU is following regarding governance of the speed camera system.

The MPS has responsibility for enforcement, however, Transport for London (TfL) has responsibility for ownership and maintenance of all Safety Camera equipment. The MPS follows NPCC guidelines for enforcement.

Q4 - Can you provide the justification for not publicly announcing the location(s) where known speed cameras are malfunctioning and thus capturing unsuspecting motorists, yet, still being issued FPNs before the fault is rectified.

The MPS does not have responsibility for Safety Camera equipment or maintenance, this rests with TfL. The CPU only take enforcement action when they are satisfied that the equipment is working correctly.