Enforcement cameras within the MPS area

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.029162

I note you seek access to the following information:

I would like to request data held by Metropolitan Police Service on speed cameras in your area.

1. In particular, I would like a details of the number of enforcement cameras operational within your area.
2. I would like to know the type of camera
3. Whether they are fixed or variable speed.
4. I would also like to know the number of average speed cameras operational within your area.
5. I would also like to know the location of the top ten cameras within your area with regards to the number of fines issued from 2017 to the date of receipt of this request.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose some of the requested information. Some data has been withheld as it is exempt from disclosure and therefore this response serves as a Refusal Notice under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) by virtue of the following exemptions:

Section 31(1)(a)(b) - Law Enforcement

Reason for decision

With regards to Q5 – To disclose the location of the top ten cameras with regards to the number of fines issued would likely cause operational harm to the MPS.

Section 31(1)(a)(b) - Law Enforcement - Were we to provide the location of the top 10 cameras by number of fines issued would cause operational harm to the MPS. It would also affect our ability to fulfil our core function of law enforcement and place the MPS at a tactical disadvantage, revealing capability in a way which is likely to be beneficial to criminals as the information could assist in avoiding detection and capture.

To provide the total NIPs by location, is likely to cause harm as the cameras could be targeted by vandals. In addition it can reveal an enforcement pattern that could undermine our operational effectiveness.

In order to counter criminal behaviour it is vital that the police have the ability to operate effectively and where necessary covertly, to assist in the investigative process to ensure the successful arrest and prosecution of offenders who commit or plan to commit crime.

The prevention and detection of crime is the foundation upon which policing is built and the police have a clear responsibility to prevent crime, arrest those responsible for committing crime or those that plan to commit crime.

Information released under the Freedom of Information Act is released into the public domain, and not just to the individual requesting the information. While some individual requests for site specific safety-camera data may pose no threat to the prevention or detection of crime or to public safety, it is possible that subsequent requests of a similar nature could enable camera deployment and enforcement patterns to be plotted.

In these circumstances the information requested would, with other information already in the public domain, enable individuals to draw conclusions about the likelihood of being caught on camera at specific locations. If numbers of offence detection were released, it may enable the public to predict likely camera deployment patterns. This could potentially lead to individuals making decisions about where it is and is not “safe” to speed or jump the lights.

In addition, there is documented evidence that the release of information relating to safety cameras which generate the most offences has resulted in those camera sites being subject to criminal damage.

To disclose information in relation to NIPs issued would therefore reveal tactical capability and would place the MPS at a tactical disadvantage. The MPS has a duty to protect the public from harm and that duty of care to all involved must be the overriding consideration. It cannot be in the public interest to disclose information which would undermine our ability to detect crime and bring offenders to justice. Specific information would reveal resource information and intelligence that would be extremely valuable to those wishing to carry out such infractions.

As detailed within the 'harm', the disclosure of any information that provides information in relation to the deployment and use of police resources would be a valuable asset to individuals and/or organisations wishing to commit crimes. In addition, more crimes would be committed which would place the safety of the general public at risk.

Whilst there is public interest in the transparency of policing resources and providing reassurance that the MPS is appropriately and effectively ensuring that their resources are used effectively and appropriately, there is also a strong public interest in knowing that policing activity with regard to the delivery of law enforcement is operationally effective.

Public safety is of paramount importance and any information which would undermine policing tactics and consequently place individuals at risk is not in the public interest. The effective delivery of operational law enforcement is crucial and of paramount importance to the MPS.

Disclosure of information that would undermine the operational integrity of effective law enforcement and will undoubtedly adversely affect public safety as more crimes would be committed.

We are therefore unable to disclose the NIP data by location, as we believe that there is a stronger public interest in ensuring that the overall effectiveness of speed cameras is not undermined or compromised.

Disclosure

As of 25/04/2023 - Total Number of enforcement Cameras by type:
Red Light (RedSpeed) – 102
Speed (RedSpeed) – 571
Red Light/Speed on Green (RedSpeed) – 141
Average Speed (Yunex, Jenoptik, RedSpeed & HADECS) – 108
The number of enforceable average speed limit is 56mph.

In addition, TfL are responsible for the maintenance of the network and the number of enforceable cameras will vary as and when faults are fixed.