FOI request?

[Itchy]

How can I make a FoI request to local councils of Bury/Bolton and whereever (and how do I word it) , to see if they are doing what I have suspected , ie to change traffic light sequences? ...

I suspect it because you used to be able to get X cars through traffic lights during a sequence, now only 3-4 can get through on many on my commute.

The traffic around Manchester these days is utterly terrible and lots of roadworks where nothing is going on (the road isn;t even dug up) have popped up , I think to make it seem much busier than it actually is... (that is it has gotten worse than previously for no particular reason), and everybody in the office is starting to nag about it...

My spider sense tells me this is being used to soften people up for the congestion charge, when I was utterly stuck last week where a traffic light was letting 2 cars through even I thought blimey there are too many cars here,...... and then thought hold on its government trickery...

Any ideas?

Thanks
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[Stoo]

Hmm, might even be worth getting one of the local newspapers invovled, I'm sure they'd love to pursue that one.

[Itchy]

Maybe its just that Sickpup actually managed to do something with his FoI requests , it encourages people to do their own thing...
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[yen_powell]

You don't have to do anything specific, just writing and asking a question is enough.

However, for best results, write to the chief exec (or whatever he's called there) of the highway authority with your question and mention the FOI Act. The higher up you send to the better. Just make sure the local council are the highway authority though, it's sometimes the County Council or even the Highways Agency (Government).

He will poop his pants and pass it on, making sure to pressure those under him do everything to the right timescales. If you send it recorded delivery he'll know you've got prove of receipt and worry even more.
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[s44678]

The Information Commissoner is the public body set-up to monitor these FOI requests and make sure authorities respond to them properly.

Loads of info on thier site, including how to apply.

https://www.ico.gov.uk/what_we_cover/freedom_of_information.aspx

Just to add: If this turns out to be true, that is some impressive sleuthing. And I thought I was cyncical.

[Charlie]

Can you imagine the repercussion to the council if what you are saying is true Itchy?
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[lozzypop1]

[Mudskipper]

You just need to mention the FoI. Obviously in writing, state your request and mention FoI.

When FoI requests come into us (not had one for a while, thankfully), all hell breaks loose. Nearly up there with Parliamentary Questions.

Be interested to know your results on this one.
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[carlnicholson...]

I'm telling you, The Sun would love a slice of that story mate! They have a number in the paper, just give it a ring.

Imagine it, 'Council con locals into voting for charge', Must get into the first ten pages at least!
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"THOSE WHO RISK NOTHING, DO NOTHING, ACHIEVE NOTHING, BECOME NOTHING."

[sickpup]

Sickpups guide to upsetting people in power.

1. Always work out what you want to ask then put it aside for a few days.

2. Pick up your question and realise who crap it was.

3. Re-write the question.

4. Re-write the question in the most innocuous terms possible. Leave the question slightly open to interpretation.

5. Send it off to the FOI department.

6. Twiddle thumbs for a month awaiting reply.

7. Receive reply and realise it in no way answers your question.

8. ETC ETC ETC

Incidentally I did a hell of a lot more than an FOI request. Researched law, argued my way around the DVLA, spoke to the shadow transport secretaries office, spoke to the under secretary of state for transports office, seriously upset a debt collection firm and today I've been speaking to the RAC foundation.

If you really want to take this all the way it will consume your life. I have put over 500 hours into exposing this and I am far from the end of it.

[carlnicholson...]

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/article296174.ece


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"THOSE WHO RISK NOTHING, DO NOTHING, ACHIEVE NOTHING, BECOME NOTHING."

[s44678]