Request Transport Bylaw Records in Cardiff - FOI/EIR

Transportation Wales 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

Cardiff, Wales residents and businesses can request transport-related records from Cardiff Council under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). This guide explains what to ask for, the 20 working-day statutory response expectation, how the council handles transport, highways and parking information, and the routes to appeal if access is refused.

Start by describing clearly the transport record, date range and format you want.

How to request transport information

Make a written request to Cardiff Council that clearly describes the transport records you want (for example, traffic surveys, roadworks notices, parking contraventions data, Traffic Regulation Orders). State whether your request is an FOI or EIR request if you know; otherwise the council will decide which regime applies. Include a postal or email address for the response and ask for the format you prefer.

  • Include specific dates, locations, and file types to speed the search.
  • Send requests via the council's published FOI/EIR contact route to ensure formal tracking[1].

Timeframes, fees and exemptions

The statutory response timeframe for both FOIA and the EIR is 20 working days from receipt of a valid request; Cardiff Council follows this expectation where applicable. For environmental information, the council may rely on EIR timeframes and exceptions where relevant[1].

  • Standard response: 20 working days from receipt.
  • Fees: the council may charge for reproduction/search costs or apply an estimated cost refusal; specific fees are not specified on the cited page[1].
If asked for environmental information, the EIR regime usually applies and still uses a 20 working-day response period.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for failures to comply with information access duties is handled by the Information Commissioner for the UK; the ICO can issue enforcement or assessment notices and, where relevant, fines under its statutory powers[2]. For transport bylaw enforcement such as parking or moving traffic contraventions, Cardiff Council issues penalty notices and handles appeals through its parking services; exact charge levels and schedules are published by the council and may vary by contravention and tariff period[3].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited Cardiff FOI/EIR page for information requests; ICO enforcement powers described on the ICO site[2].
  • Escalation: refusal or non-compliance may lead to ICO notices or ordered disclosure; specific escalating monetary ranges are not specified on the cited pages[2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices, orders to disclose information, and binding decisions by the ICO.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Information Commissioner (ICO) for FOI/EIR enforcement; Cardiff Council Parking Services for parking/contraventions[2][3].
  • Appeals/time limits: internal review by the council first, then complaint/appeal to the ICO; time limits for internal review are set by the council and for ICO complaints the ICO advises acting promptly — specific council appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page[1][2].
  • Defences/discretion: exemptions (for FOI) or exceptions (for EIR) such as national security, ongoing investigations, personal data, or commercially sensitive information; public interest balancing applies under FOI.
If the council refuses, request an internal review and keep a copy of your original request.

Applications & Forms

Cardiff Council publishes a FOI/EIR contact route and guidance for submitting requests; there is no mandatory universal form required for an FOI/EIR request but using the council's contact details ensures proper handling[1]. For parking enforcement appeals there are specific forms and procedures published by Parking Services; check the council parking pages for current forms and fee schedules[3].

  • FOI/EIR request: submit in writing to the council's FOI/EIR contact (see resources).
  • Parking appeals: use the council's published appeal form or online portal for Penalty Charge Notices.

Action steps

  • Draft a clear, dated request describing transport records, date ranges and format.
  • Send the request to Cardiff Council via the published FOI/EIR contact and retain proof of sending[1].
  • Wait 20 working days; if refused ask for an internal review.
  • If internal review is unsatisfactory, complain to the ICO and reference the council's refusal review[2].

FAQ

How long will Cardiff Council take to respond to my transport information request?
Generally 20 working days from receipt for FOI or EIR requests; see the council's published FOI/EIR guidance for process details.[1]
Do I have to say whether my request is FOI or EIR?
No, but stating which helps; the council will decide which regime applies if you do not specify.[1]
What if Cardiff Council refuses to release transport records?
Request an internal review from the council and, if still dissatisfied, complain to the Information Commissioner who enforces FOI/EIR rights[2].

How-To

  1. Identify the exact transport records you need and the relevant date range.
  2. Prepare a short written request including contact details and preferred format.
  3. Send the request to Cardiff Council via the published FOI/EIR contact route and keep a copy.
  4. Await the council's decision for up to 20 working days.
  5. If refused, ask for an internal review and then complain to the ICO if unresolved.

Key Takeaways

  • FOI/EIR requests for transport records are normally processed within 20 working days.
  • Be specific about dates, locations and file types to reduce delays.
  • If refused, use the council's internal review process then the ICO for enforcement.

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