Speed Camera Activation A120 – August 2020
Keywords
Speed; Camera; Activation; A120; Statistics
Publication number
PUB 1135
FOI Reference number
FOI 14799
Request title
Speed Camera Activation A120 - August 2020
Information requested
How many motorists were detected exceeding the average speed between Horsley Cross and Bromley roundabout on the A120 in August 2020?
Disclosure with exemptions
Refused
Information correct as at
14/09/2020
Date of disclosure
28/10/20
Related documents
Gov.UK
FOI 14799 response
In respect of Section 1(1)(a), Essex Police does hold information relating to your request however the obligation under Section 1(1)(b) cannot be met by virtue of the following exemptions:
- Section 31 – Law Enforcement
- Section 38 – Health & Safety
Section 31 – Law Enforcement
Evidence of Harm
Revealing this information would give perpetrators the ability to use countermeasures in order to avoid detection. This would undermine the process of preventing or detecting crime and the apprehension of prosecution of offenders.
Factors favouring Disclosure
Disclosure of the information would raise the general public’s awareness that the police are effectively and appropriately investigating crime would lead to a better informed public which demonstrates complete openness and transparency.
Factors favouring Non-Disclosure
The current and future law enforcement role of the force may be compromised by the release of this information having a negative impact on the effectiveness of the force. In this case, for the reasons outlined in the evidenced harm, the effectiveness of current and future strategies when carrying out investigations and gathering evidence may be compromised. The personal safety of individuals and the general public is of paramount importance to the Police Service and must be considered in response of every release. A disclosure under Freedom of Information is a release to the world and, in this case, disclosing tactical information would undermine the evidence gathering process of any investigative inquiry relating to offences, some of which may be serious cases such as murder or rape.
Section 38 – Health & Safety
Information requested about the speed activations at a particular camera site could result in more drivers speeding at that site because they have deduced that enforcement is less likely at that location. This could increase the risk of a serious accident and endanger the safety of individuals.
Balancing Test
As always the Freedom of Information Act has a presumption of disclosure, unless when balancing the competing public interest factors prejudice to the community outweighs the benefits. In this case, there is an argument for disclosure, in as much as the public have a right to know that every effort is made to gather all relevant evidence, but this must be balanced against the negative impact these disclosures can make.
Law Enforcement is reliant on community engagement, intelligence and evidence gathering and when it is appropriate, information is given to the public. What has been established in this case is the fact that disclosure of information relating to speed cameras would have an adverse effect on the investigative process and on the prevention or detection of crime and the apprehension or prosecution of offenders. This places the victims of such offending at a greater risk towards their health and wellbeing and is not an action the Police Service would be willing to take. These negatives outweigh any tangible community benefit and therefore the balance does not favour disclosure at this time.
Essex Police trusts that the information provided is of assistance. Thank you for your interest in Essex Police.