Does TFL have a document that explains the procedures that should be followed if trains and platforms are overcrowded? The document you have sent gives statements about how journeys have to be safe, but it does not explain the procedures TFL follows to prevent overcrowding. I do have one further question, which is whether TFL pays compensation for overcrowding in any circumstances? Is there any policy on this?

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Our Ref:          FOI-0178-1819

Thank you for your requests received on 17 and 18 April 2018 regarding overcrowding in stations..

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require. You asked:

Whether TFL pays compensation for overcrowding in any circumstances? Is there any policy on this?

We do not refund for congestion explicitly and not if it is outside our control. Our refund policy is available on our website:

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/replacements-and-refunds/tube-and-dlr-delays

In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, TfL is not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.

Does TFL have a document that explains the procedures that should be followed if trains and platforms are overcrowded? The document you have sent gives statements about how journeys have to be safe, but it does not explain the procedures TFL follows to prevent overcrowding.

Please find attached the Generic Congestion Control Plan which provides information on congestion control that are applicable to stations across the entire network. In addition to this there are Station Specific Congestion Control and Emergency Evacuation Procedures (CCEPs).

In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the Station Specific CCEPs as they are subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act.

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’. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this information to cause disruption or harm to the London Underground network. 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.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please feel free to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London

[email protected]

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