Untitled

Mr Sawyer,

[email address]

Customer Relations

Westminster Parking Services

Asst Director of Parking: Kevin Goad

This matter is being dealt with by:

Gordon Deas

Date: 01 September 2009

Tel No: (020) 7641 1743

Fax no: (020) 7641 1744 Email:[email address]

My ref: FOI/4278

Dear Mr Sawyer,

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000: Request for information

Thank you for your request for information that was logged on 24 August 2008, relating to FOI request 4278. You have requested the following information:

Could you advise on whether the vehicle specified above has a 'Run-Lock' system allowing the driver to legally vacate the vehicle and leave the engine running? Example video http://nutsville.com/?p=981

Could you advise on any of the Westminster fleet, either owned by Westminster or contractors working for the council, have 'Run-Lock' systems allowing the drivers to legally vacate the car while the engine is running?

Other than street cleansing vehicles, does Westminster use any vehicles that can be legally vacated whilst the engine can be left running, if there are can you identify them please?

In response to your request, I can advise you of the following:

Westminster City Council (WCC) is unable to confirm if the CCTV fleet adopt this system, as these vehicles were constructed and purchased by City Council's enforcement contractor - NSL Services Ltd. For the purposes of section 1 (4) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 this information is not held and we are unable to provide it.

I apologise that your request cannot be met but if you have any further information needs in the future then please do not hesitate to contact the Council.

Further details on this matter may be available directly from NSL Services Ltd. Please contact their director of communications - Tim Cowen. His e-mail address is: [email address]

I can advise, however, that it is the policy of NSL Services Ltd that the Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs), operating the CCTV Smart Cars, are not permitted to leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.

While on patrol, there are always two CEOs with the vehicle and at least one CEO must remain with the vehicle, at all times, when the engine is running.

I can further advise that Run Lock System has not been installed in any vehicle owned or operated by WCC.

If you are not satisfied with this response please set out your reasons in writing and send to:

Customer Relations

PO Box 396

Warrington

WA55 1EL

Phone: 0207 641 1743

Fax: 0207 641 1744

Email: [email address]

Should you still be dissatisfied with the outcome of any such complaint you have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner, pursuant to section 50 of the FOIA. The contact details are:

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Telephone: 01625-545-700

www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

Yours sincerely

Gordon Deas

Departmental Records Officer