Information Rights Unit
PO Box 313
Sidcup
DA15 0HH
Email
: xxx@xxx.xxxxxx.xx
www.met.police.uk
Your ref:
Our ref: 01/FOI/21/019541
27/05/2021
Dea
r Mr Dixon,
Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 01/FOI/21/019541
I write in connection with your request for information which was received by the
Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 25/05/2021. I note you seek access to the
following information:
Original Request
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I would like to request the number of
vehicles seized by the force in both 2019 and 2020, broken down by the
reasons for the seizures.
Redefine Request
I was wondering if it might be possible to narrow the request to bring it within
the cost threshold? For example, if I were to simply ask for the number of
vehicles seized in 2019 and 2020, without requiring the breakdown by
category?
Your request will now be considered in accordance with the Freedom of Information
Act 2000 (the Act). We aim to provide a response within the statutory timescale of 20
working days as defined by the Act. The deadline date for your request is 23/06/2021
During the first part of the national lockdown last year our staff were prevented
access to our offices to conduct essential work that could not be carried out remotely,
this caused a large amount of backlog and even though lockdown restrictions have
eased in more recent times we are still affected by the various restrictions that were
in place during the majority of 2020. We do now have a limited number of staff able
to attend our offices and it will take time for us to resume our normal service.
Please be reassured that the vast majority of work is carried out unhindered, but due
to current circumstances some delays may be unavoidable. The MPS take your
rights under data protection regulations very seriously and every effort will be made
to ensure a response is provided within statutory deadlines. We apologise for any
inconvenience and will endeavour to process your request as quickly as is
practicable.
If you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please contact us at
xxx@xxx.xxxxxx.xx, quoting the reference number above. Should your enquiry relate
to the logging or allocations process we will be able to assist you directly and where
your enquiry relates to other matters (such as the status of the request) we will be
able to pass on a message and/or advise you of the relevant contact details.
Yours sincerely
Data Office Triage Team
COMPLAINT RIGHTS
Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?
You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to review their
decision.
Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome to discuss the response with the
case officer who dealt with your request.
Complaint
If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of the MPS made
under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding access to information
you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the decision reviewed.
Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from the date of
the refusal notice, and addressed to:
FOI Complaint
Information Rights Unit
PO Box 313
Sidcup
DA15 0HH
xxx@xxx.xxxxxx.xx In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your complaint within 20
working days.
The Information Commissioner
After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with the decision
you may make application to the Information Commissioner for a decision on whether
the request for information has been dealt with in accordance with the requirements
of the Act.
For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner please
visit their website at www.ico.org.uk. Alternatively, write to or phone:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 0303 123 1113