Freedom of Information Act 2000
Wherever possible, we want to share information with you, both to help you understand how and why the Casualty Reduction Scheme was set up, as well as keeping you informed on how we are working towards our objectives.
The West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme (WMCRS) will, when appropriate, apply reasonable consideration of the exemptions afforded under the Freedom of Information Act, particularly Section 30 Investigation and Proceedings Conducted by Public Authorities and Sections 31/32 Law Enforcement.
Because the Scheme is made up of several organisations, including Local Authorities, Police and the Courts Service, we do not own information; however, if you would like to make a request for information, we will endeavour to provide as much assistance as we can. In certain circumstances therefore, we may have to direct you to the relevant Authority.
The person responsible for maintaining the publication scheme for WMCRS is Inspector Mick Hartill, who is also responsible for maintaining the scheme on a daily basis.
Aim of the Publication Scheme
The aim of the publication scheme is to set out:
| What information WMCRS publishes or intends to publish as a matter of course |
| How it will publish this information |
| Whether the information will be available free of charge or on payment. |
As an individual you have always had the right to access information about you; however FOIA will also extend this right to include other information as well.
This publication scheme has been designed to highlight information and publications currently available from WMCRS. Where no online version is available, you should apply in writing to:
Inspector Mick Hartill
10th Floor Operations
West Midlands Police Headquarters
Lloyd House
Colmore Circus Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6NQ
Or alternatively email:
foi@wmsafetycameras.co.uk
When requesting information included in this scheme you must include the following details:
| Your name and address. |
| The information or documents you would like to access. |
| The way you would like the information to be sent to you (e.g. hard copy, via email). |
In most cases you won't have to pay anything as the information is free, but in some instances the information you require may take a little longer to retrieve or cost more to copy, so you may be charged to cover administration costs.
If a fee is required you will be informed how much you will have to pay and to whom. On receipt of the payment we will give you the information.
How Long Will it Take?
We aim to provide information listed in the publication scheme within 20 working days.
The Freedom of Information Act requires a publication scheme to specify the classes of information the public authority already publishes or intends to publish. Our intention is to publish as much information as possible on subjects where there is known to be public interest. However, exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act may prevent some information being released.
Information not Available under FOIA 2000
After consultation between Partnership Lead Authorities, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), and the FOI Information Commissioner, it was agreed that certain information should remain exempt under the FOIA. The following information is not available to the general public:
- Camera site specific data, including number of deployments, hours of enforcement, photographs taken, and fines paid. ACPO decision on this information was "it was considered that the public interest in disclosing site specific data at this level is outweighed by the potential consequences to law enforcement and the impact of such a release on road safety measures". This information is exempt under FOIA Section 31 Law Enforcement (Section A and B).
- Enforcement thresholds, are exempt under FOIA Section 31 Law Enforcement (Section A and B) as "The public interest in disclosing Force speeding thresholds is outweighed by the potential consequences to law enforcement and the impact of such a release on road safety measures and consequently the safety of the public at large."
- Current year financial information / forecasts, are exempt until such time as they have been audited, which usually takes place by the following September. In this respect we would not present any financial information, with the exception of complete and audited end of year accounts, the most recent of which is 2003/04 Financial Year.
- Closed session of minutes, under FOIA we do not disclose the contents of closed sessions of minutes. However we are required to show that there was a closed session in minutes, and also outline why it was decided that each session be closed.
- Information to be published at a future date: If a Public Authority already intends to release information to the public, perhaps in an Annual Report, or as a section to their Website, the Authority would not have to provide the requested information prior to the publication date.
Information Classes
To provide general information that may be of interest to you, WMCRS has developed this online section, which includes the following:
Freedom of Information
