Dear TFL, I am writing to request copies of all the London Underground Rule Books. I believe there’s about 23 of them. If you need any further information from me, please let me know.

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Our ref: FOI-0069-2021/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 April 2020 asking for copies of all the London Underground Rule Books.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the London Underground Rule Books as they are subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act. Disclosure of this information could adversely affect the safety and security of TfL employees and members of the general public.

Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. The rulebooks detail how London Underground would respond to operational incidents. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this detailed operational information about how the network would operate during disruption to cause interference to the workings of the critical rail network infrastructure. The London Underground system is an attractive terrorist target for several reasons including, its importance to London and the knock on effect to the nation’s economy if it is disrupted, the publicity gained from attacking an iconic transport system and the attractiveness of the system for a mass casualty attack due to its open, mass transport nature. It is also part of the nation’s critical infrastructure by virtue of its central importance to the functioning of London and its economy.

Disclosure of information could compromise security and safety preparedness on London Underground’s network and would place members of the public and TfL staff at risk by highlighting areas on the network which could be susceptible to being targeted.

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of the London Underground network, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

The Government has announced a series of measures to tackle the Coronavirus. It is essential for London, and in particular for all critical workers, that we continue to provide a safe transport network that enables them to make the journeys they need to.

In current circumstances, we are not able to answer FOI requests readily and we ask that you please do not make a request to us at present.

Answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. In any event, please note that our response time will be affected by the current situation.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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