Our ref: FOI-0336-2021/GH
 
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 4 June 2020 asking for information about the Network Management Control Centre (NMCC) Incident sign.
 
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 some of the information you require.
 
- What is the purpose of this sign?
 
The sign, (which is one of three) is intended to alert staff to the fact that the NMCC is managing an incident at level 3 or above and that a command structure has been stood up. They were repurposed in response to staff comments that the escalation of incidents wasn’t always apparent to all staff – especially those who work outside of NMCC but may have reason to come in.
 
- What is the colour of the sign when it is illuminated?
 
When illuminated the sign is red.
 
- Please list the dates when the sign was illuminated in 2019.
 
This information is not recorded – it would have been whenever a level 3 incident (as defined in our C3 framework) was in progress. The sign was installed July 2019.
 
- Where is the switch located to illuminate the sign? (I.e. exact location, for example desk number, not just "within NMCC")
 
The switch is located on the NMCC Duty Manager desk.
 
- Who decides when to illuminate the sign and what criteria needs to be met?
 
The decision to illuminate would be taken by the Duty Manager, in conjunction with the Duty Silver Commander, when deciding to assign an incident as level 3 and stand up a full command structure in response.
 
- Are there any associated actions with the illumination of the sign?
 
There are no specific actions linked to the illumination of the sign which are not relevant to any level 3 incident under our C3 framework – the purpose of the sign, as above, is to drive awareness of the fact a level 3 incident is in progress.
 
- Please send me a copy of the wiring diagram of the sign.
 
- How much did it cost to purchase and install the sign?
 
In terms of the sign itself, it was repurposed from another use (an “on air” sign related to filming within the viewing gallery which was not used), and so the cost of installation and wiring changes associated were minimal, and are not specifically recorded.
 
- When was the sign installed?
 
The sign was installed July 2019.
 
- Who (i.e. job title or grade) requested this sign to be installed?
 
The sign was changed at Head of Control Centre Operations Nick Owen’s request after discussion with the NMCC management team, in response to staff suggestions.
 
If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Please note, the Government has announced a series of measures to tackle the coronavirus. It is essential for London, that we continue to provide a safe transport network for essential journeys.
 
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