DfT Publication Scheme
| Publisher: | Department for Transport |
| Publication type: | Instructional |
| Published date: | 22 November 2002 |
| Modified date: | 14 March 2012 |
| Mode/topic: | Transparency |
DfT publication scheme
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) requires public authorities to adopt and maintain a publication scheme, the purpose of which is to:
- specify the classes of information we have committed to publish
- say how we will make that information available
- say whether the information is available free of charge or on payment
Most of the information covered by our publication scheme will be made available on this website. If you need information in an alternative format, we will do all we reasonably can to help.
Our publication scheme follows the Information Commissioner’s model publication scheme for public authorities. It covers the following executive agencies:
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
- Driving Standards Agency
- Government Car and Despatch Agency
- Highways Agency
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Vehicle and Operator Services Agency
- Vehicle Certification Agency
About this publication scheme
This publication scheme is not a list of individual publications but rather a description of the classes or types of information that we are committed to publishing.
The scheme is not an exhaustive list of all the types of information that we publish — our policy is to publish proactively as much information as we can where the information would have a wider public interest.
The scheme does not include information that we consider to be sensitive, such as certain types of commercial or personal information, or information about security matters or which comprises legal advice.
Most DfT publications, including priced publications, are available online. Where publications are not available online, details of how to obtain hardcopies are provided.
Charges for information
Nearly all of our information can be accessed from this website free of charge. In some cases charges will apply, as explained in our charging policy.
Charging policy – is information free of charge or on payment?
The Department publishes most information online, where it is available for you to view free of charge. If you do not have access to the internet, a printed copy of the web page(s) can be sent to you free of charge.
The following may incur a charge:
- requests for multiple copies
- request for the information in a different format
- requests for archived documents that are no longer available on our website
Any charges made will be to cover the costs of photocopying, postage and packing. You will be told in advance of supplying the information if there will be a charge, and how much it will be.
Current publicity leaflets or booklets issued by the Department and its agencies are available free of charge from DfT Publications:
- Phone: 0300 123 1102
- Request a publication
- THINK! shop
Increasingly, the Department’s and agency’s datasets are being made available online free of charge.
A charge may arise where private sector users have used departmental data to provide value-added customised services. Where this applies the reason for the charge and the level of charges will be notified to you in advance.
Information generated by the Department may be viewed, by appointment, free of charge at DfT’s Library or agency libraries. If you wish to make photocopies of the information a charge may be levied. This will be payable in advance.
Crown copyright
This Department is a Crown body and our information is subject to Crown copyright administered by Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
If you want to re-use or reproduce our publications, e.g. commercially or for circulation for educational purposes, you will in most cases need to apply for an Open Government Licence.
Information not already published
If you cannot find what you want through this scheme, or otherwise on our website, you may wish to make a request to us under the FOI Act or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).
Feedback and complaints about the scheme
If you would like to provide feedback — good or bad — about the Department’s publication scheme, or have a specific complaint, please contact the Information Rights and Records Unit.
Classes of information
Who we are and what we do
Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.
What we spend and how we spend it
Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts.
- Ministers and special advisers expenses
- Cost of ministerial cars for 2010-11 written ministerial statement by the Secretary of State for Transport, 16 January 2012
What our priorities are and how we are doing
Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews.
How we make decisions
Policy proposals and decisions. Decision making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations.
Our policies and procedures
Current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities.
Lists and registers
Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority.
The services we offer
Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered.
Charges which may be made for information published under this scheme
Charges may be made for information subject to a charging regime specified by Parliament. Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:
- photocopying
- postage and packaging
- the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information
If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information.
Written requests
Information held by a public authority that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the FOI Act.
Where you can find other relevant information
The following are relevant to the Department for Transport’s activities but are not published by the Department.
Acts of Parliament
Scope: Acts of Parliament, explanatory notes and DfT Bills are available online free of charge or can be purchased from The Stationary Office.
Timing: As available on the relevant websites listed above.
Costs: Subject to any charges levied by TSO.
Parliamentary Questions
Scope: Answers provided by DfT to Parliamentary Questions are available from the Hansard website:
Papers deposited in the House libraries, as part of an answer, and where available in electronic format, will be available from the House websites.
Timing: Copies of answers to Parliamentary Questions are available once they have appeared in the Hansard and are subject to the availability conditions of the Hansard website.
Costs: See Hansard and House websites for pricing.
Statutory Instruments
Scope: DfT Statutory Instruments’ from 1987 are available online:
Timing: As available on the UK Legislation website.
Costs: Free of charge.
