Our ref: FOI-3507-2425/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 2 February 2025 asking for information about Red Route Fines in Northolt.

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.

Specific Street: 496 Church Road, UB5 5AU.

This is the red road after the White Hart Roundabout. It has a strip of shops. There is normal parking, a loading bay, electric bay and a disabled bay.

1. How many tickets were issued to motorists for:

a. Parking in the disabled bay

b. Parking in the electric bay

c. Parking in the loading bay

d. Parking on the double red lines

The number of PCNs issued at a specific location 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 we 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:

https://ico.org.uk/media/action-weve-taken/decision-notices/2021/2620057/ic-69434-n9n7.pdf

2. What was the reasoning for marking the restricted red route loading bay on 496 Church Road as white instead of red as per guidance in the Traffic Sign Regulations and General Directions 2016. Are there any plans to rectify this?

Outside 496 Church Road is not a loading bay but a Parking Bay. The restrictions at this location are: Parking at anytime is permitted.

The loading Bay on Church Road is not at 496 Church Road, but rather at 486-488 Church Road.

Roads on the red route have stopping and parking restrictions in place, which can be identified by red lines, red and white bays. Next to these are road signs indicating the times when parking or stopping is allowed. There is no requirement to mark this bay as red instead of white. Details of Red Route signage and road markings for loading bays can be found here: Loading for the public - Transport for London

In general and not specifically Church Road:

What parking bay in Northolt has the single highest number of tickets issued by the TfL (if that data is available)?

To answer this we would need to locate every parking bay in the Northolt area, and check the number of PCNs issued at each, which would be a huge task. However, as explained above, we would also be unable to disclose this information as it relates to a specific location. 

If you are not satisfied with this response 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