Vehicle Fleet List Names and Stations

(1) UP TO DATE COPY OF THE VEHICIE FIEET LIST FOR fire and rescue service WHICH INCLUDEES

(1a)THE STATIONS

(1b) REG NO

(1c) MAKE A modern

1a-c. Please see attached document.

Should you require the attachments mentioned above please contact customerinformationservice@lincolnshire.gov.uk with the below reference number and this can be provided.

Registration numbers have been redacted in accordance to the below exemption.

Section 31 provides a prejudice based exemption which protects a variety of law enforcement interests and is subject to the public interest test. When considering a prejudice test any precedent effects as a result of disclosure can be taken into account.

We consider that Section 31 at subsection 1 (a) is applicable in our response. Section 31(1)(a) states information can be withheld if its disclosure under FOIA would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime.

The council has considered whether Section 31 is engaged in accordance with the ICO guidance.

1. If the actual harm alleged would or would be likely to occur if the information was disclosed.

2. Can it be demonstrated that some causal relationship exists between the disclosure of information and the prejudice that is alleged and whether it real, actual or of substance.

3. Whether the level of prejudice being relied on by the authority is met.

Whilst the councils view is that there is hypothetical possibility that this prejudice could occur and that it may not be possible to confirm that the public are at risk, disclosure of the information would likely be prejudice to the prevention.

Section 31 is subject to the public interest test.

The council has determined that the disclosure of vehicle registration numbers, specifically fire & rescue vehicles could assist organised crime gangs with criminal activities. Vehicles which may then be used to access unauthorised areas or used for activities which would likely be a risk to members of the public. The authority further considers that disclosure of the information could be used by criminals specifically to clone vehicles so that they are able to bypass automatic number plate and camera recognition systems in order to carry out criminal activities.

Section 31(1)(a) FOIA in favour of disclosing the requested information

The Council accept that there is a general presumption in favour of disclosure of information to provide accountability and transparency and that the general public as

a tax payer are able to have access to information regarding vehicles. It is in the public interest to know how the public funds are spent and that vehicles are maintained and operational.

Section 31(1)(a) FOIA in favour of maintaining the exemption

The council considers the overriding safeguarding and security to the general public and the organisation is great and should the information be disclosed that there is potential that a criminal event would be more likely. The council considers that the disclosure of the information may facilitate a criminal activity and that there is a clear public interest in protecting the public from such activity.