Transport for London's (TfL) refusal to release the legal advice it received before launching the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has been upheld by the Information Commissioner.
The body responsible for the capital's transport system launched an LEZ exactly a year ago in order to deter "the most polluting vehicles from being driven in the area".
A Freedom of Information request to discover why TfL bases its emissions standard solely on particulate matter was turned down last year
on the grounds that it was in the public interest for TfL to seek further legal advice without fear of intrusion.
An appeal has now found in favour of TfL on the grounds that legal advice should remain confidential. However, the Commissioner says that "the disclosure of the withheld information would allow for a more informed public debate of the introduction of the LEZ".
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